The conflict between the United States and Iran has taken a dangerous turn as American fighter jets bombed three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities.
The attacks, which happened on Saturday, targeted sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—areas believed to be important to Iran’s nuclear programme.
In a national broadcast from the White House, US President Donald Trump said the attacks were a warning to Iran. He said Iran must choose peace or face stronger attacks in the future.
“Iran must make peace, or the next time will be far greater,” Trump said.
The bombings were carried out with full support from Israel, whose officials confirmed that both countries worked together in planning the strikes. The Israeli military also launched separate attacks on what it called military targets in western Iran, following the detection of missiles fired from Iran towards Israel.
The situation caused panic in nearby countries. Loud blasts were heard over Jerusalem, and warning sirens were reported in Jordan. The Israeli military said its defence systems were working to stop the incoming Iranian missiles.
Iran’s response was swift and strong. The country’s Foreign Minister condemned the airstrikes, calling them “outrageous”. He said Iran would not sit back and was keeping “all options open” to defend its sovereignty.
The United States tried to calm fears by telling Iran through backdoor diplomatic channels that it had no plans to push for a change in Iran’s government. According to US officials speaking to CBS News, the airstrikes were meant to send a message and nothing more.
Meanwhile, the United Nations nuclear watchdog confirmed that there has been no unusual rise in radiation around the bombed sites. However, full details of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure are still unknown.
This latest attack comes amid a growing war between Iran and Israel, with each side trading missile strikes. The world is watching closely as many fear the conflict could spread and cause more instability across the Middle East.
