US strikes 3 Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Trump says


Summary

US strikes nuclear sites

President Donald Trump announced Saturday on social media that the United States military struck three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Lawmakers speak out

Some Congress members applauded the move and others criticized it. One Republican representative said it wasn't Constitutional.

Khamenei warned US not to get involved

Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that U.S. military involvement would cause "irreparable damage for them."


Full story

The United States military struck three nuclear sites in Iran, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Saturday, June 21. Trump stated that the attack targeted Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

“All planes are now outside of Iran air space,” Trump wrote in the post. “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordo.”

“NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he added.

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U.S. involvement follows a week of missile strikes between Iran and Israel, which kicked off June 13 when Israel struck Tehran’s nuclear facilities. Bipartisan lawmakers have been urging the president to keep the U.S. out of the conflict. As of Thursday, June 19, Trump said he would make a decision about getting involved within the next two weeks.

Trump previously maintained that he would not authorize a strike unless absolutely necessary, as he promised during the 2024 election not to bring the U.S. into any new wars.

During a national address Saturday night, Trump said the “strikes were a spectacular military success,” adding, “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

Iran addresses strikes, says ‘part of Fordo’ suffered attacks

Iranian agencies and officials confirmed the attacks; however, they stopped short of saying the facilities were obliterated. Morteza Heydari, a spokesman for the city of Qom’s Provincial Crisis Management Headquarters, said “part of the Fordo nuclear site was attacked by enemy airstrikes,” according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.

Meanwhile, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a statement that despite the strikes, the agency will continue its work. “This organization has put the necessary measures, including legal action, on its agenda to defend the rights of the noble Iranian nation,” the statement reads.

During his remarks, Trump called Iran the “bully of the Middle East” and said the country must now “make peace.” Trump warned that if the country fails to, “future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump called him immediately after the U.S. attacks on the sites. That followed an earlier statement, in which Netanyahu said, “@realDonaldTrump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.”

CNN and The New York Times reported that the U.S. used six B-2 bombers to drop a dozen “bunker busters,” or Massive Ordnance Penetrators, on Fordo. Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at Natanz and Isfahan, according to the news outlets, citing a U.S. official.

Reactions to US attack on Iran nuclear sites

“Trump struck Iran without any authorization of Congress,” U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said on X. “We need to immediately return to D.C. and vote on @RepThomasMassie and my War Powers Resolution to prevent America from being dragged into another endless Middle East war.”

Thomas Massie, R-Ky., also took to X to say the strikes were “not Constitutional.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said Trump’s “disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.” She added, “It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

Other lawmakers, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the right move.

“Good,” Graham wrote on X, adding: “the regime deserves it. Well done, President @realDonaldTrump.”

Fetterman said he’s “grateful for and salute(s) the finest military in the world,” adding that “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he is “gravely alarmed” by the U.S. strikes.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge — and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Guterres said. “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.  I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the @UN Charter and other rules of international law.”

Iran previously warned against American involvement

The Associated Press reported on Wednesday, June 18, that Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said any U.S. military involvement would cause “irreparable damage” for both countries.

“Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei was quoted by the AP as saying.

Although the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who Iran supports, paused attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea in May, they warned the assaults would continue if the Trump administration joins Israel’s military campaign.

“ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT,” Trump said on Saturday night after speaking at the White House.

The New York Police Department said it is deploying additional resources to religious, cultural and diplomatic sites and coordinating with federal partners. Washington D.C.’s police department said while there’s no known threats to the district at this time, it increased its presence at religious institutions across the city.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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Why this story matters

The U.S. military's strike on Iranian nuclear sites, as announced by President Donald Trump, has potential consequences for international stability and U.S. constitutional processes.

US-Iran tensions

Military action against Iranian nuclear sites amid the ongoing conflict with Israel raise questions about regional security and the risk of broader conflict.

Constitutional authority

Lawmakers' criticism of the strike's authorization highlights debate over the president's constitutional power to initiate military action without congressional approval.

International escalation

The strike and responses from Iranian leaders suggest the potential for expanded hostilities, with broader implications for global peace and diplomatic relations.

Timeline

  • After a week of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, the Israeli military said it hit one of Tehran’s nuclear facilities overnight Saturday.
    AP Photo/Leo Correa
    International
    Jun 21

    Israel and Iran enter a new week of airstrikes, as neither is willing to relent

    Following a week of missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, the Israeli military said Saturday, June 21, that it hit one of Tehran’s nuclear research facilities overnight, according to The Associated Press. An Israeli military spokesman added that despite its “amazing achievements,” the country will continue bombing Iran “until the threat is removed.” Israel damages…

  • If Trump authorizes a strike on Iran, it could provoke retaliation. However, Iran may be quietly exploring diplomatic channels through Oman.
    Getty Images
    International
    Jun 19

    Trump still weighing strike on Iran nuclear facility

    As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the world is waiting to see whether President Donald Trump will authorize a United States military strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment facility. The hardened site is buried beneath a mountain and has long been considered one of the most protected nuclear targets on the planet. The Bomb…

  • The U.S. is rapidly increasing its military presence to assist Israel. More fighter jets, bombers and warships are being deployed.
    USAF
    International
    Jun 18

    US military surging forces in Mideast after Israel strikes Iran

    When Israeli jets launched a sweeping preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the United States initially insisted its ally had acted alone. But in the days since, U.S. military movements and official rhetoric suggest a rapid and significant shift that aligns America more directly with Israel’s goals in the region. Israel said it had no…

  • Trump called for Tehran’s evacuation amid rising tensions and left the G7 early as the U.S. boosts military presence in the region.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
    Politics
    Jun 16

    Trump urges evacuation of Tehran following failed nuclear deal

    President Donald Trump is urging everyone in Tehran to evacuate after Iranian officials failed to sign a new nuclear agreement with the United States. Trump’s plea comes after leaving the G7 meeting in Canada early and returning to Washington, D.C., to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. The Israeli…

  • Iran launched another wave of missiles into Israel early Monday, June 16, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 100 more, according to The New York Times. The strikes targeted multiple locations in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Haifa and Bnei Brak. Emergency workers reported damage to residential buildings, with some residents trapped under rubble.
    AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images
    International
    Jun 16

    Iran, Israel trade deadly missile attacks; conflict escalates for fourth day

    Iran launched another wave of missiles into Israel early Monday, June 16, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 100 more, according to The New York Times. The strikes targeted multiple locations in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Haifa and Bnei Brak. Emergency workers reported damage to residential buildings, with some residents…

  • Iran fired missiles into Israel in retaliation for strikes on its nuclear sites, escalating tensions between the two nations.
    Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images
    International
    Jun 13

    Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv as Israel, US defend retaliation strike

    Israeli soldiers told civilians early Saturday morning they could leave their shelters after Iran fired nearly 150 missiles into Israel late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv as the United States helped Israel deflect a second barrage of retaliatory missiles from Iran, marking Iran’s second round of striking, reports indicated….

  • Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike aimed at Israel after Israel launched a preemptive strike at Iranian nuclear sites the day before.
    AP Photo/Leo Correa
    Military
    Jun 13

    Injuries reported after Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes at Israel

    Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles rained down. Iranian officials said the attacks were in retaliation for deadly Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and Tehran’s military commanders. What we know Explosions rocked Jerusalem on Friday, June 13, and witnesses in Tel Aviv reported seeing smoke after a suspected missile strike. The spokesperson…

  • Israel struck Iran’s nuclear sites, triggering regional tensions and expected retaliation, while the U.S. urged diplomacy and denied involvement.
    AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
    International
    Jun 12

    Israel launches strike on Iran’s nuclear program; regional tensions escalate

    Israel has launched a strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency, signaling preparations for a potential Iranian counterattack.  “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel…

Timeline

  • After a week of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, the Israeli military said it hit one of Tehran’s nuclear facilities overnight Saturday.
    AP Photo/Leo Correa
    International
    Jun 21

    Israel and Iran enter a new week of airstrikes, as neither is willing to relent

    Following a week of missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, the Israeli military said Saturday, June 21, that it hit one of Tehran’s nuclear research facilities overnight, according to The Associated Press. An Israeli military spokesman added that despite its “amazing achievements,” the country will continue bombing Iran “until the threat is removed.” Israel damages…

  • If Trump authorizes a strike on Iran, it could provoke retaliation. However, Iran may be quietly exploring diplomatic channels through Oman.
    Getty Images
    International
    Jun 19

    Trump still weighing strike on Iran nuclear facility

    As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the world is waiting to see whether President Donald Trump will authorize a United States military strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment facility. The hardened site is buried beneath a mountain and has long been considered one of the most protected nuclear targets on the planet. The Bomb…

  • The U.S. is rapidly increasing its military presence to assist Israel. More fighter jets, bombers and warships are being deployed.
    USAF
    International
    Jun 18

    US military surging forces in Mideast after Israel strikes Iran

    When Israeli jets launched a sweeping preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the United States initially insisted its ally had acted alone. But in the days since, U.S. military movements and official rhetoric suggest a rapid and significant shift that aligns America more directly with Israel’s goals in the region. Israel said it had no…

  • Trump called for Tehran’s evacuation amid rising tensions and left the G7 early as the U.S. boosts military presence in the region.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
    Politics
    Jun 16

    Trump urges evacuation of Tehran following failed nuclear deal

    President Donald Trump is urging everyone in Tehran to evacuate after Iranian officials failed to sign a new nuclear agreement with the United States. Trump’s plea comes after leaving the G7 meeting in Canada early and returning to Washington, D.C., to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. The Israeli…

  • Iran launched another wave of missiles into Israel early Monday, June 16, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 100 more, according to The New York Times. The strikes targeted multiple locations in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Haifa and Bnei Brak. Emergency workers reported damage to residential buildings, with some residents trapped under rubble.
    AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images
    International
    Jun 16

    Iran, Israel trade deadly missile attacks; conflict escalates for fourth day

    Iran launched another wave of missiles into Israel early Monday, June 16, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 100 more, according to The New York Times. The strikes targeted multiple locations in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Haifa and Bnei Brak. Emergency workers reported damage to residential buildings, with some residents…

  • Iran fired missiles into Israel in retaliation for strikes on its nuclear sites, escalating tensions between the two nations.
    Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images
    International
    Jun 13

    Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv as Israel, US defend retaliation strike

    Israeli soldiers told civilians early Saturday morning they could leave their shelters after Iran fired nearly 150 missiles into Israel late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv as the United States helped Israel deflect a second barrage of retaliatory missiles from Iran, marking Iran’s second round of striking, reports indicated….

  • Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike aimed at Israel after Israel launched a preemptive strike at Iranian nuclear sites the day before.
    AP Photo/Leo Correa
    Military
    Jun 13

    Injuries reported after Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes at Israel

    Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles rained down. Iranian officials said the attacks were in retaliation for deadly Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and Tehran’s military commanders. What we know Explosions rocked Jerusalem on Friday, June 13, and witnesses in Tel Aviv reported seeing smoke after a suspected missile strike. The spokesperson…

  • Israel struck Iran’s nuclear sites, triggering regional tensions and expected retaliation, while the U.S. urged diplomacy and denied involvement.
    AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
    International
    Jun 12

    Israel launches strike on Iran’s nuclear program; regional tensions escalate

    Israel has launched a strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency, signaling preparations for a potential Iranian counterattack.  “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel…