President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, June 21, 2025, that the United States had carried out a “very successful attack” on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified underground site at Fordow (Fordo), as well as Natanz and Isfahan (Esfahan). In a Truth Social post and subsequent televised address,
Trump declared that the strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment capabilities. He urged Iran to “agree to end this war” and return to peace negotiations, warning of further action if necessary.
The operation, involving B-2 stealth bombers dropping bunker-buster bombs and Navy cruise missiles, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. U.S. officials described it as a targeted effort to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat, with assessments suggesting the program was set back by years.
Iran responded swiftly and defiantly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous,” labeling them a “grave violation” of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In a statement posted on X, he said the attacks constituted “lawless and criminal behavior” with “everlasting consequences.” Araghchi emphasized that Iran “reserves all options” to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people under Article 51 of the UN Charter, holding the U.S. fully responsible for any fallout.
Reactions from world leaders were sharply divided. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the move, calling it a “bold decision” that would “change history” and thanking Trump for denying Iran nuclear weapons.
In contrast, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed being “gravely alarmed,” describing the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” in an already volatile region and urging an immediate return to diplomacy.
European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Germany, voiced concern over potential wider conflict while acknowledging the nuclear threat. They called for restraint, de-escalation, and renewed negotiations. Russia strongly condemned the action as irresponsible aggression, with allies like China echoing worries about sovereignty violations.
Other nations offered measured responses. Saudi Arabia and Gulf states expressed concern and pushed for calm, while some Latin American and African countries criticized the strikes as unlawful. Supporters of the action, including certain U.S. allies, viewed it as necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
The strikes have heightened global fears of broader regional instability, oil supply disruptions, and retaliatory actions. As of late June 2025, the situation remained fluid, with calls for diplomacy intensifying amid ongoing assessments of damage and potential Iranian responses. The episode underscores the fragile balance of power in the Middle East and the high stakes of direct U.S. military involvement.
