Trump Claims "Obliteration" of Iran Nuclear Sites; Declares "Time for Peace

Key Takeaways

• Trump declares three Iranian nuclear sites "obliterated" in U.S. strikes, calling it a "spectacular military success" .• Iran reserves "all options" for retaliation, launching fresh missiles at Israel hours after the attack .• Bunker-buster bombs target Fordo’s mountain facility; damage assessments conflict between U.S. claims and Iranian denials .• U.S. lawmakers split: Republicans praise the move; Democrats call it unconstitutional .• UN Secretary-General warns of "catastrophic consequences" as regional tensions escalate .

Trump’s Declaration: “Obliteration” and Ultimatum

Donald Trump faced the cameras flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He called the strikes a “spectacular military success.” His words were blunt. Iran’s nuclear sites lay in ruins. “Completely and totally obliterated,” he said. He warned Tehran: choose peace or face “tragedy far greater” . Earlier, he’d posted on Truth Social—a full payload of bombs dropped on Fordo. All planes safe. No hesitation. No apology. Netanyahu praised the move as “righteous might” .

The Targets: Bunker Busters and Mountain Fortresses

Six B-2 stealth bombers flew from Missouri. They carried GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—30,000-pound bunker busters. These bombs drill through 60 meters of concrete before exploding . Their target: Fordo, buried deeper than the Channel Tunnel. Natanz and Isfahan followed, hit by Tomahawk missiles from U.S. submarines .

Strike Details:

Iranian state TV claimed Fordo was evacuated weeks ago. “No irreversible damage,” said officials. The IAEA detected no radiation leaks .

Tehran’s Response: Missiles and “All Options”

Abbas Araghchi stood before reporters in Istanbul. Iran’s foreign minister didn’t blink. “War starts now,” the Revolutionary Guards declared . Tehran reserved “all options” for self-defense. Hours later, missiles streaked toward Tel Aviv and Haifa. Sirens wailed. Sixteen Israelis lay injured . Araghchi flew to Moscow. He’d meet Putin Monday for “serious consultations.” Russia condemned the U.S. as “irresponsible” .

Global Reactions: Condemnations and Warnings

António Guterres’s statement was terse. The UN chief called the strikes a “direct threat to international peace.” Keir Starmer urged de-escalation. India’s Modi phoned Iran’s president, pushing “dialogue.” Gulf states stayed quiet. Saudi Arabia checked radiation levels—nothing .

Houthi officials in Yemen promised retaliation. “Only a matter of time,” one said. Oman condemned the attack. Germany pushed for talks. The world held its breath .

Inside the Operation: Stealth and Diplomacy

U.S. officials contacted Tehran minutes before the bombs fell. A message: “No regime change planned.” Too little, too late. Allies like Saudi Arabia got alerts as planes entered Iranian airspace .

In the Situation Room, Trump watched with Tulsi Gabbard—his intel chief he’d publicly called “wrong” days earlier. She’d testified Iran wasn’t building nukes. Now bunker busters flew on her watch .

U.S. Political Divide: “Constitutional” vs. “Necessary”

Marjorie Taylor Greene broke ranks. “This is not our fight,” the Trump ally posted. Hakeem Jeffries slammed the “unconstitutional” move. Bernie Sanders agreed—only Congress declares war .

Mike Johnson backed Trump. Lindsey Graham called it “the right call.” The split was clean. Hawks cheered. Doves warned of quagmire .

What’s Next: Iran’s Moves and U.S. Threats

Iran faces three paths :

1. Do nothing: Saves infrastructure but risks looking weak.

2. Retaliate fast: Strike U.S. bases in Iraq or Syria.

3. Wait and strike: Hit back later—a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, a covert cyber attack.

Trump’s threat was clear: “ANY RETALIATION WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER” .

Human Cost: Shadows of War

Bita, 36, a teacher in Kashan, spoke to Reuters. “Our future is dark. It’s like living in a horror movie.” The line cut. In Tel Aviv, Aviad Chernovsky stepped from a bomb shelter. His house was gone. “We will win,” he said. Iran claims 430 dead since June 13. Israel reports 24 .

Expert View: Uncharted Territory

A U.S. intelligence official put it bluntly: “We’re in uncharted territory.” Fordo’s depth made damage assessments slow. If uranium was moved, strikes achieved little. If not, contamination risks lingered .

David Albright, nuclear analyst, noted Iran’s secret site under Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La mountain. Centrifuges could still be installed there. The game wasn’t over .

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the U.S. strikes destroy Iran’s nuclear program?

Unclear. Iran claims materials were moved from Fordo beforehand. The IAEA reports no radiation spikes, suggesting minimal damage to radioactive materials .

What weapons did the U.S. use?

GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs (30,000 lbs each) on Fordo, and Tomahawk missiles on Natanz/Esfahan. B-2 stealth bombers and Navy submarines executed the strikes .

Has Iran retaliated?

Yes. Within hours, Iran launched missiles at Tel Aviv and Haifa, injuring at least 16 Israelis. The Houthis also threatened imminent attacks .

Did Trump need Congressional approval?

Democrats say yes, citing the War Powers Act. The White House claims inherent authority as commander-in-chief. Legal challenges are likely .

What’s the global response?

Russia condemned the strikes. The UN warned of “catastrophic consequences.” The UK and Germany urged diplomacy, while Gulf states expressed “great concern” .