President Trump declares “very successful” operation as B-2 stealth bombers hit Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan deep underground facilities
Donald Trump / US strikes Iranian nuclear sites (Courtesy Wikipedia)Washington, DC (Times Media Service) – In a bold military move, the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites Saturday night, President Donald Trump announced, saying the operation “has completed our very successful attack” on the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan facilities and that “all planes are safely on their way home.”
Surprise Attack Targets Key Facilities
President Trump revealed that B-2 stealth bombers delivered massive bunker-busting bombs to three of Iran’s most fortified nuclear complexes—Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan—deep beneath the Iranian desert. The operation, carried out late Saturday, marked the first known combat use of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 “Massive Ordnance Penetrator” to breach hardened underground sites. Trump emphasized that a “full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” crippling Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium at that location.
Pentagon officials confirmed all U.S. aircraft exited Iranian airspace without losses, underscoring the precision of the raid. The strikes came after weeks of escalating tensions, with Israel conducting limited attacks to degrade Iran’s air defenses—a campaign now bolstered by direct U.S. involvement.
International Response to the Strikes
Allied officials in Jerusalem praised the U.S. decision to expand the air campaign, viewing it as critical to dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israel’s former defense minister called it a “historic moment” and pledged continued cooperation.
By contrast, Chinese officials condemned the breach of Iran’s sovereignty and warned against further escalation, calling for “immediate restraint” from all parties. Russian leaders offered to mediate talks to prevent a full-blown regional war.
Domestic Reaction Across the United States
The announcement drew swift praise from Republican lawmakers. A leading senator described the raid as “a necessary blow to a rogue regime” and urged further sanctions to maintain pressure on Tehran. Meanwhile, some members of Congress criticized the operation’s constitutional basis, arguing that Congress was not consulted before U.S. forces entered a new military engagement.
On social media, supporters lauded the president’s decisiveness, while opponents raised concerns about the risk of a broader Middle East war and potential civilian casualties in Iran.
Potential Regional Fallout
Analysts warn that the U.S. strikes could provoke severe retaliation from Tehran, including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz or to target American interests in the region. Iran’s state-run media confirmed activation of air defenses at Fordow but stopped short of acknowledging direct hits, suggesting Tehran may calibrate its public response to avoid panic.
Gulf Arab states, wary of disruption to global energy supplies, have expressed alarm. Saudi and Emirati officials privately urged Washington to pursue a diplomatic off-ramp before further military action.
Impact in the United States
The strikes sent U.S. oil futures higher on concerns about potential supply disruptions, with benchmark crude jumping nearly 4% in after-hours trading. Markets also saw a surge in defense stocks, reflecting investor expectations of increased Pentagon spending.
On college campuses and in major cities, small protests have emerged—some demanding de-escalation, others supporting the president’s show of strength. National security experts warn that American forces may need to prepare for expanded deployments to deter Iranian counterstrikes.
David Cook / World Daily Times Contributor (Times Media Service)
David has traveled extensively and appreciates the unique perspectives each place has to offer.
dcook@timesmediaservice.com
