U.S. Allies with Israel in Strikes on Key Iranian Sites, Targeting Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz

WASHINGTON – In a bold move that signifies a dramatic escalation in international tension, President Donald Trump declared that U.S. military forces have successfully attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. In a statement charged with gravity, he proclaimed that the fortified Fordow nuclear facility is now “gone.”

The decision to join Israel’s military efforts against Iran marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce the mission: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan,” he posted. “Our military planes are now safely on their way home.”

From the Oval Office, in a concise address lasting just over three minutes, President Trump articulated the stark choices facing Iran: “either peace or tragedy.” He hinted darkly at other potential targets should violence continue.

Adding fuel to the international fire, Trump asserted, “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

The Iranian response was quick and fierce. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of violating international norms, stating, “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.”

Araghchi’s declaration resonated with urgency: “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless, and criminal behavior.” The conviction in his words was palpable, and he reaffirmed that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”

The strategic strike, involving B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, signifies a new chapter in the already fraught relations between Iran and Israel. The two nations have been locked in escalating aerial combat for over a week, leading to significant casualties and destruction.

The roots of this conflict run deep. Last month, Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran, citing fears of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Israel itself sits under an enigmatic cloud regarding its own nuclear capabilities, neither confirming nor denying the existence of such weapons.

Iran counters these accusations with assertions of peaceful intentions for their nuclear program. Despite international suspicion, Iranian officials have steadfastly communicated that their focus remains solely on nuclear energy and research, rather than weaponization.

The global community watches with bated breath. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his unease, stating, “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.” His words hang heavily as the specter of wider conflict looms ominously.

The human toll of this conflict continues to rise. Figures from Iran’s Ministry of Health suggest that 430 people have been killed so far, with 3,500 more injured. Across the border, in Israel, civilian casualties are rising too; local reports confirm 24 deaths directly attributable to Iranian missile strikes.

In total, more than 450 Iranian missiles have been fired into Israel, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The conflict has been devastating, with 1,272 Israelis injured, 14 of whom remain in critical condition.

This information underscores the sobering reality of conflict, where the numbers tell only part of the story. Behind each statistic lies a narrative of human suffering, resilience, and the enduring quest for peace.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.