Trump says the goal was “the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability” and threatens more “much larger” attacks
Iran confirms the attack and maintains that it will continue "the development of this national industry," in relation to the nuclear program
US President Donald Trump has confirmed the US military’s bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordo, the latter being the location where the largest attack was carried out.
“We have successfully completed our attack against all three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. All aircraft are now out of Iranian airspace,” the US president stated on his Truth Social account.
The White House resident also stated that “Fordo is gone,” after asserting that they have dropped a “full load of bombs” on the nuclear enclave. US planes are already back in the country, according to Trump.
“This is a historic moment for the United States, Israel, and the world. Iran must now agree to end this war. Thank you!” the US president said in another message.
Moments later, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Iranian officials to view the US aggression as “a clear reminder” that “Trump means business” and suggested that the tycoon’s “decisive action” is a response to Tehran’s refusal to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.
“President Trump has been consistent and clear in stating that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. This position has been enforced firmly, precisely, and clearly,” Johnson added, adding that “this is the ‘America First’ policy in action.”
“A SPECTACULAR MILITARY SUCCESS”
Trump later clarified that the objective of the US attack was “the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability,” describing it as “the number one terror state in the world,” as well as the interruption of its “nuclear threat.”
“Tonight I can report to the world that the attacks were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” the New York tycoon asserted in an appearance broadcast live from the White House.
Trump then called on Iran to “make peace,” promising “much larger future attacks” if they do not.
The Republican denounced that Tehran “has been killing its people” for more than 40 years, making death its “specialty,” and decided that he “will not let this continue to happen.”
“It will not continue,” he declared, while thanking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for working with the White House “as a team, as perhaps no team has worked before” to confront the “horrible threat” against Israel.
“With all that said, this cannot continue. There will be either peace or tragedy for Iran. Much more than what we have experienced over the past eight days (…). If peace does not come quickly, we will pursue these other targets with precision, speed, and skill,” he concluded.
IRAN WILL CONTINUE DEVELOPING ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM
For its part, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has condemned the “brutal attacks” against Iran’s main nuclear development centers and has guaranteed that it “will not allow the development of this national industry to be halted,” according to a statement reported by the Mehr news agency.
“This action, contrary to international law, was unfortunately carried out in the shadow of indifference and even with the cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” the statement reads.
In this regard, it calls on the international community to condemn the attacks against Iran, given that the sites attacked are under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Initially, local authorities in Qom Governorate confirmed the attack on the Fordo nuclear plant after reporting a series of explosions in its vicinity.
“A few hours ago, after Qom’s air defenses were activated and hostile targets were identified, part of the Fordo nuclear site was attacked by enemy airstrikes,” Morteza Heydari explained from the Spokesperson’s Office at the Qom Provincial Administration Headquarters, according to statements reported by Mehr.
The same outlet reported the words of an advisor to the president of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mehdi Mohammadi, who stated, “from Iran’s perspective,” that “nothing too strange has happened.”
“Iran has been waiting for the attack on Fordo for several nights. The site has been evacuated for a long time and has not suffered irreversible damage. Two things are certain: first, knowledge cannot be bombed, and second, whoever bets will lose this time,” he added, contrary to Donald Trump’s claims.
The announcement of the US attack comes after the White House confirmed on Thursday that Donald Trump would make a decision on whether or not to intervene militarily in Iran “in the next two weeks” to allow time for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump himself warned that a ceasefire with Iran would not end the conflict and that the solution must involve ending Iran’s nuclear program.
“We are not seeking a ceasefire. We are seeking total and complete victory. I repeat, you know what victory is: no nuclear weapons,” the US leader said in remarks reported by Fox News.
