US enters Middle East conflict with bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites
Tehran vows continued resistance, strikes Israel again despite Trump’s warning
DUBAI: In a dramatic escalation of the Israel–Iran conflict, the United States launched airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites– Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan – early on Sunday morning.
President Donald Trump called the attack “a tremendous military success” and warned of dire consequences if Tehran responded. Within hours, Iran retaliated by launching a new wave of missile strikes on Israel, vowing to continue resistance until “aggression ends.”
The US strikes mark the first direct American military action inside Iran since the beginning of Israel’s offensive and represent a pivotal moment in what could spiral into a regional war.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2025
US airstrikes on Iran
The operation involved B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles targeting deeply fortified nuclear facilities. According to Trump, six bunker-buster bombs obliterated Fordow, a major uranium enrichment site buried deep beneath a mountain south of Tehran. Around 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles targeted Natanz and Esfahan, Iran’s other key nuclear locations.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025
“All American jets have returned safely,” Trump announced on Truth Social, adding, “Fordow is gone.” US officials confirmed the use of B-2 bombers and described the mission as “surgical and highly coordinated."
Iran's vow of resistance
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as violations of the UN Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), warning of “lasting repercussions.” Within hours, Iran launched a new barrage of over 100 missiles towards Israeli cities including Haifa, Tel Aviv and Ashdod.
In a televised statement from Tehran, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Command declared, “This is only the beginning. For every Iranian site targeted, Zionist infrastructure will be destroyed.” The Iranian Armed Forces issued a follow-up warning that all U.S. bases in the Gulf were now “within operational range.”
Iran-Israel tensions
The new Iranian missile strikes injured at least 52 Israelis, with 11 reported in serious condition. Multiple rockets hit industrial sites in central Israel and caused power outages in parts of Tel Aviv. Civil defence authorities have urged citizens to remain near shelters.
In response, Israel resumed aerial bombardments on western Iran, reportedly striking military storage units near Kermanshah and drone facilities in Shiraz. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, “Israel is united and prepared for a prolonged war if necessary.”
Global reactions
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation issued a statement condemning the strikes as lawless and pledged to pursue legal action internationally.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Director General <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelmgrossi</a> has called an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday in light of the “urgent situation” in Iran following the latest attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities. <br><br>For more info see latest update: <a href="https://t.co/wDTRFoiWgM">https://t.co/wDTRFoiWgM</a> <a href="https://t.co/Iavv30AV8i">https://t.co/Iavv30AV8i</a> <a href="https://t.co/e2n6nha7Vy">pic.twitter.com/e2n6nha7Vy</a></p>— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1936717589906129068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the strikes, linking the US action to Israel’s own campaign and calling this a “historical pivot”.
President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 22, 2025
First comes strength, then comes peace.
And tonight, @realDonaldTrump and the United States acted with a lot of strength. pic.twitter.com/7lTWCZkgw7
Saudi Arabia, while confirming no radiation has been detected in the Gulf, urged all sides to "immediately cease hostilities and prioritise diplomacy."
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/UETTccSNgc
— Foreign Ministry ???????? (@KSAmofaEN) June 22, 2025
The European Union called for "urgent restraint" and offered to host ceasefire talks in Geneva. The United Kingdom expressed “deep concern,” while NATO said it was monitoring developments “with utmost seriousness.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, having been briefed by US officials in advance, urged both sides to step back and pursue diplomacy while affirming Israel's right to self‑defence. Germany and France echoed the call, emphasising confidential concern over the prospect of wider conflict.
A day after nominating Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan condemned the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. “We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson said in a statement issued.
????PR No.1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025
Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
????⬇️https://t.co/2qpo27WzVQ pic.twitter.com/ugtFomQ5HO
Islamabad reiterated that these attacks violated all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.
Lebanon’s PM Salah cautioned against the conflict spreading and stressed national interest in avoiding spill‑over.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister commented this crisis was “the most serious” they had faced and called for dialogue.
Australia supported the US strikes as a counter‑terror measure but urged calm and diplomacy.
Cuba and Venezuela strongly condemned the action, labelling it a breach of international law .
Domestic debate
US political reactions were sharply divided. Republican Senator Roger Wicker supported the action but admitted it placed America at a “dangerous crossroads.”
Senator John Thune called nuclear proliferation a “misguided pursuit” – while critics such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez labelled the action “unconstitutional” and warned it could ensnare America in a long‑term conflict.
I learned about Trump’s unconstitutional attack on Iran at a large rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here is the response: pic.twitter.com/eziVpp3Y54
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 22, 2025
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine criticised the president for acting without congressional approval, stating, “The American people do not want another war in the Middle East.”
Some Republicans also emphasised the lack of Congressional authority.
Several lawmakers warned that the conflict risked drawing the US into a broader military engagement, particularly if Iran continues to retaliate against American targets.
President Trump defended the strikes, saying they were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “Iran must now agree to end this war,” he warned.
I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 22, 2025
There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of…
The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session as fears of a full-scale regional war grow.