Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had carried out a powerful and successful military attack on three nuclear sites in Iran. He said the strike included a full bombing of Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, just two days after he said he would give diplomacy a chance.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors,” Trump posted.
Trump also said he would address the nation at 10 p.m. local time. In a follow-up post, he declared:
“IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR.”
He called the strike a “historic” moment for the United States, Israel, and the world.
Earlier reports said U.S. B-2 bombers—which can carry “bunker buster” bombs meant for underground targets—had left U.S. bases. Trump did not give details about the aircraft or weapons used.
Also Read:
- Iran Warns U.S. Against Supporting Israeli Strikes, Calls for Peace Talks
- 22 Arrested Over Killing of 12 Wedding Guests in Plateau
Iran Vows to Fight Back
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by warning of more serious retaliation if attacks continue. He said Iran would never stop its nuclear activities.
“We do not agree to reduce nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances. Our response to the continued aggression of the Zionist regime will be more devastating,” Pezeshkian said in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
Iran has said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and not for building bombs.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was in Istanbul for an Islamic conference, repeated Iran’s support for peace talks—but only if military attacks stop.
“Diplomacy worked in the past, it can work again. But to return to it, aggression must stop,” Araghchi told reporters.
Israel and Iran Exchange Blows
Israel has been bombing Iranian targets since June 13, saying Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. On Saturday, Israel claimed it struck Iran’s nuclear site in Isfahan for a second time and killed three more Iranian commanders.
Iran’s health ministry said more than 400 people have died in Israeli airstrikes. A U.S.-based group said the death toll could be as high as 657, including 263 civilians.
Iran also launched retaliatory attacks, killing at least 25 people in Israel, according to Israeli officials.
On Sunday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched a “vast” wave of suicide drones targeting key sites in Israel. Meanwhile, Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen warned that they might restart attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea if Washington continues to take part in the war.
Despite his threats, Trump added a surprising message at the end of his announcement:
“NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE”