On June 21-22, 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Former President Donald Trump announced the operation on his social media platform, Truth Social, declaring it a “spectacular military success” and stating that these nuclear sites were “completely and totally obliterated.” He emphasized that all aircraft had safely exited Iranian airspace and warned that the U.S. would target more sites if Iran did not seek peace
In response, Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, condemned the U.S. strikes as a grave violation of international law, including the UN Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He described the attacks as “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior” and warned that the events “will have everlasting consequences.” Araghchi asserted Iran’s right to legitimate self-defense under the UN Charter and stated that Tehran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.” He also called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address what Iran described as America’s “heinous attacks and illegal use of force
Iranian officials and state media downplayed the extent of damage to the nuclear sites, particularly Fordow. Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi claimed that the facility had not suffered significant harm, with most damage limited to above-ground structures that could be repaired. He assured that no nuclear radiation was detected and that no casualties were reported. Iranian authorities said that radiation levels in the region remained stable, and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed no contamination or threat to nearby residents. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reported no increase in radiation levels near the attacked sites
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, with the U.S. aligning more directly with Israel’s campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli attacks earlier in June had already resulted in hundreds of fatalities in Iran, with retaliatory actions causing deaths in Israel. The U.S. involvement has raised concerns about a broader and more dangerous escalation in the Middle East
In summary, the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have provoked strong Iranian condemnation, with warnings of “everlasting consequences” and reserved rights to retaliate. While the U.S. claims to have destroyed key nuclear sites, independent verification is pending, and Iran asserts its nuclear program continues despite the attacks