US Joins Israel in Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites; Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan Confirmed Hit

Trump hails very successful attack as Iran confirms site evacuations before bombing

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – June 23, 2025:
In a major escalation of the Middle East crisis, the United States has joined Israel in military strikes on Iran, targeting three of its most significant nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The unprecedented joint operation marks the most direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran in years and risks igniting a wider regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the airstrikes in a post on Truth Social, calling the operation a very successful attack and congratulating the American military, stating, All planes are safely on their way home. Now is the time for peace.

Fordow is gone, Trump added in a follow-up post, referencing one of Iran’s most fortified underground nuclear facilities.

US Deploys B-2 Stealth Bombers in Operation

According to US defense officials and media reports, the operation involved B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The aircraft, capable of carrying 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), were reportedly en route to Diego Garcia, a strategic US base in the Indian Ocean within striking distance of Iran.

The B-2s, along with aerial refueling tankers, were tracked heading east, sparking global speculation about imminent US involvement just hours before the strike was confirmed.

Iran Confirms Attacks but Claims Minimal Damage

Iranian officials have confirmed all three locations—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—were hit in the US-Israeli operation but claimed the nuclear materials had already been evacuated in anticipation of a potential attack.

Even if Trump’s claims are true, we did not suffer a major blow, said Hassan Abedini, deputy political director of Iran’s state broadcaster. “There are no materials in these three nuclear sites that cause radiation.

Officials in Qom and Isfahan provinces reported explosions near the nuclear sites, with Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) assuring the public that the situation was under control.

Israel Confirms Coordination with US

Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted senior officials confirming that the strike was carried out in full coordination with Washington. The attack is seen as part of a joint strategy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities—a claim Tehran continues to deny.

The strikes come after over a week of Israel-Iran aerial combat, resulting in casualties on both sides. Diplomatic efforts by Western powers have so far failed to de-escalate tensions.

Regional and Global Reactions Expected

The international fallout is expected to intensify. Several global powers, including China, Turkiye, and Russia, have already condemned prior attacks on Iran, calling them violations of international law and the UN Charter. Pakistan, in a recent statement, reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense and denounced military escalation.

Why Fordow Matters

The Fordow enrichment facility, buried 300 feet beneath a mountain near Qom, is among Iran’s most heavily guarded nuclear sites. We and Israeli defense strategists have long viewed it as nearly impenetrable—making it a prime target for bunker-busting munitions like the MOP.

Fordow, alongside Natanz and Isfahan, is considered critical to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Tehran insists its program is peaceful and remains under IAEA supervision, but the West continues to raise concerns over potential weapons development.

What’s Next?

President Trump’s remark Now is the time for peace suggests Washington may be seeking to pause further escalation following the strike. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has already issued statements promising devastating retaliation and warning that US bases across the region are now targets.

Military analysts say the deployment of strategic bombers, coordinated strikes with Israel, and Trump’s public declarations signal a shift from deterrence to direct engagement, a development likely to draw global scrutiny and condemnation.

The Pentagon has yet to release an official statement.

Key Points:

• US confirms strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities in Iran.
• Trump hails success, says “all planes are safely on their way home.”
• Iran admits to attacks, but claims nuclear material was already removed.
• B-2 stealth bombers used in operation, likely with Massive Ordnance Penetrators.
• Israel and US acted in full coordination; Tehran vows retaliation.
• Global reactions expected as tensions risk broader regional war.