Late Saturday evening, U.S. warplanes launched strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites, marking the most direct American military involvement in the conflict between Iran and Israel to date. President Donald J. Trump confirmed the attacks during a nationally televised address, calling them a warning — and a possible opening salvo — if Iran continues its escalation.
Here’s what we know about the strikes, the damage, and what could come next.
What happened?
The United States targeted three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. These sites have long been considered core to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The strikes came nearly ten days into an escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, following Israel’s surprise attacks on June 13.
In his address, Trump said the airstrikes were “precise, swift, and essential,” and warned that the U.S. has “many targets left.” He added, “Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace doesn’t come quickly, we will go to those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
American officials said Iran was informed through diplomatic channels that no further action was planned and that regime change was not a goal.
What was targeted?
Fordo, carved into a mountainside south of Tehran, is one of the most fortified nuclear facilities in the world. It was reportedly struck with the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bomb capable of penetrating reinforced underground bunkers. Similar munitions were likely used on Natanz and Isfahan, both significant enrichment and research facilities.
U.S. media outlets, citing defense officials, confirmed that bunker-buster bombs were deployed. Trump claimed the targets were “completely and totally obliterated.” But Iran disputes that.
Hassan Abedini, deputy political director of Iran’s state broadcaster, said the facilities had been evacuated in advance. “We didn’t suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out,” he said on state-run television.
What is the impact on the ground in Iran?
The full extent of the damage remains unclear. No casualty figures from the sites themselves have been confirmed, though Iran’s Health Ministry has said more than 200 people have been killed and over 1,200 injured since the start of hostilities with Israel.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Israel heightened security nationwide, implementing new restrictions on public gatherings, education, and business activity, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Why now?
The U.S. intervention follows more than a week of Israeli-Iranian air exchanges. Israel launched its offensive on June 13, citing fears that Iran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles and drones.
President Trump had publicly warned Iran to return to negotiations within two weeks. That deadline evaporated as Iranian strikes continued. Saturday’s attack signals a sharp shift by the Trump administration — from threats of diplomacy to direct military action.
How might Iran retaliate?
Iran has suffered substantial losses to both military infrastructure and regional proxy forces in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. But it still maintains significant retaliatory capabilities.
Iranian officials have warned that the U.S. will face “irreparable damage” and risk an “all-out war.” They have signaled they may target U.S. military bases in the region — including in Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is headquartered, as well as facilities in Iraq, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Iran may also attempt to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-third of global oil supplies pass. Analysts caution that a full-scale attack on oil transit routes could destabilize global markets and widen the war beyond the Middle East.
Tehran has also threatened to strike assets in countries perceived as aiding the U.S., raising concerns of a broader regional spillover.
Does Trump need congressional approval?
Under U.S. law, only Congress can formally declare war. However, the president — as commander in chief — has broad authority to conduct military operations without a formal declaration.
Trump’s decision mirrors previous unilateral actions, including his 2017 airstrikes on Syria. The White House has framed the Iran strikes as necessary to prevent a greater threat to national security.
Some lawmakers in Congress have moved to introduce a war powers resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to strike Iran without approval. Such measures, however, are largely symbolic and unlikely to affect near-term military decisions.
What happens next?
That remains uncertain. Trump has said further action depends on Iran’s response. While the U.S. insists it does not seek war, many regional analysts say the potential for rapid escalation remains high.
With Iranian facilities hit, American forces on alert, and diplomatic avenues narrowing, Saturday’s strikes may have opened a new and volatile chapter in an already dangerous conflict.
