The US bombed the three most important places where Iran conducts nuclear research. These are the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Fordow is considered the heart of Iran’s nuclear program. Uranium would be enriched in 2,200 centrifuges here.
In Natanz, uranium would be enriched with which a nuclear bomb can be made.
According to US President Donald Trump, the three locations have been completely destroyed, although he provided no proof for this. According to Trump, the goal of the American bombings was to destroy Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and to “end the nuclear threat emanating” from Iran. Trump called the bombings a “spectacular military success.”
Iran denies that the nuclear facilities have been destroyed. According to Tehran, the complex in Fordow, for example, has not been seriously damaged.
Satellite images show that the sites have been heavily attacked. It is not yet clear whether Iran’s nuclear program has indeed been completely disabled.
The attack was carried out by heavy American B2 bombers and a submarine. The Americans used a total of fourteen heavy bombs of the GBU-57 type, each weighing around 15,000 kilos. These are also called bunkerbusters because they can destroy underground targets.
The highest-ranking American military officer, Dan Caine, said at a press conference that it was the first time this type of bomb had been used. Trump had previously hesitated about using it.
According to Caine, the targets suffered very great damage and Iran seemed to be completely surprised by the attacks. “The Iranian fighter planes did not fly and it seems that the Iranian air defense systems did not see us.”
The attacks took place in the middle of the night. The three nuclear complexes were hit between 2:00 and 3:00 am (Iranian time). Because of the time, the US speaks of Operation Midnight Hammer.
Trump said the US will carry out new attacks if Iran does not agree to peace. “If there is no peace soon, we will also target other targets,” he said.
The American president is referring to the war between Israel and Iran. These countries have been attacking each other daily with rockets since last week. It started on the night from Thursday to Friday, when Israel carried out attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran.
Iran condemns the American bombings. In a reaction on X, the country speaks of a “serious and unprecedented violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law.” Iran calls on the UN, the Security Council, the IAEA and other international organizations to take action against the US attack.
Iranian minister Abbas Araqchi called the American attacks on the three nuclear installations in Iran “excessive”. He wrote on X that the attacks will have “perpetual consequences” for the US.
A few hours after the American bombings, Iran fired new rockets at Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted with delight. He thanked the US for the American support. He also called Trump “a great friend of Israel,” as you can see in the video below.
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