Trump declares ‘very successful’ U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that American forces had launched a “very successful attack” on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the highly fortified Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that a “full payload of BOMBS” was dropped on the Fordow site. The surprise disclosure came just 48 hours after he hinted at a possible diplomatic window before making a final decision on U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran — Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump stated. “All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors.”
The former president is scheduled to address the nation from the White House at 10 p.m. local time (0200 GMT), where he is expected to provide further details. In a follow-up message, he said, “IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR,” calling the development a “historic” moment for the United States, Israel, and the international community.
The announcement followed earlier reports of U.S. B-2 bombers — known for their ability to deploy bunker-buster munitions — departing American air bases. However, Trump did not confirm which aircraft or weapon systems were used in the operation.
Tehran Vows Retaliation
Despite Trump’s call for peace, tensions remain high. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “more devastating” retaliation if Israeli attacks continued. He reiterated that Iran would never abandon its nuclear ambitions, insisting the program is purely civilian in nature.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel claimed responsibility for a second strike on Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site and reported killing three more Iranian commanders. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that a centrifuge workshop had been hit.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched a barrage of “suicide drones” targeting what it described as “strategic sites” across Israel. Meanwhile, the Iranian state-run Mehr News Agency reported that Israeli forces had also targeted military installations in Shiraz.
Global Concern and Diplomatic Moves
During a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Pezeshkian firmly rejected any reduction of Iran’s nuclear activities. “We do not agree to reduce nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances,” he said, accusing Israel of continued aggression.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, attending a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, also met with top diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany the previous day in Geneva. They urged Iran to resume suspended nuclear negotiations with the United States.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels warned they may resume attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea, despite a recently brokered ceasefire.
Rising Casualties
According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 657 people have been killed in Iran since the beginning of the conflict, including 263 civilians. Iran’s health ministry placed the toll from Israeli strikes at over 400. Official figures also show at least 25 people killed in Israel from Iran’s retaliatory actions.
The fast-escalating conflict has raised global alarm, with observers fearing a broader regional war that could spiral beyond Iran and Israel’s borders.
