Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
The United States has entered the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, launching a dramatic and unprecedented joint military strike on Iranian nuclear sites early Saturday alongside Israeli forces, President Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump wrote. “All planes are now outside of Iran air space … Congratulations to our great American Warriors. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
The U.S. military dropped bunker-busting bombs on the Fordow facility, a highly fortified site buried beneath a mountain near Qom. The mission marked the first time the U.S. has directly targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and is likely to ignite serious geopolitical repercussions across the region and beyond.
Strategic Targets Hit
The attack struck Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan — three critical sites in Iran’s nuclear program. The Fordow strike likely involved the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bomb capable of penetrating hundreds of feet of rock. Only the B-2 stealth bomber is capable of delivering the MOP.
The strike follows weeks of intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, and years of diplomatic and military pressure by both nations to halt Iran’s enrichment activities. The U.S. had previously resisted direct involvement, even as Trump abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term.
A Turning Point for Trump’s Foreign Policy
Despite his longstanding promise to avoid new wars in the Middle East, Trump escalated the conflict after Iranian-backed forces launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel. In recent days, he has also publicly threatened Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though clarified that he would not pursue a strike on Iranian leadership “at least not for now.”
“He is an easy target,” Trump said. “But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
The president’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” suggests that Washington sees this as a moment of strategic leverage, even as Iranian officials warn of a wider war.
Fallout and Global Reactions
Iran’s Supreme Leader responded to the strikes earlier this month by warning that direct U.S. military involvement would be “irreparable.” Tehran claims that more than 200 civilians have already died in Israeli attacks, though Israel has maintained that its targets have been strictly military.
Iran has so far responded with missile and drone attacks, some of which struck Israeli territory despite interception efforts by the Iron Dome defense system. Israeli officials say dozens have died and hundreds are injured in recent days.
“The United States now shares responsibility for the bloodshed,” an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said early Saturday.
Global markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices spiking and regional governments scrambling to assess the risk of full-scale regional war.
Contradicting U.S. Intelligence
Earlier this year, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said publicly that Iran had not resumed its nuclear weapons program since 2003 — a view widely held by Western intelligence agencies.
But Trump has dismissed that assessment.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump told reporters last week. “I think they were very close to having it.”
What Comes Next?
As of Saturday morning, the Pentagon had not released an official statement, though officials confirmed all aircraft returned safely.
Trump has emphasized that there are no plans for ground forces, and has pushed a message of strength followed by de-escalation: “Now is the time for peace.”
Still, critics warn that this direct military involvement could spark unpredictable retaliation, including attacks on U.S. bases, allies, or even the homeland.
Democratic leaders have called for an emergency session of Congress, warning that Trump may have acted without proper authorization.
“This is a constitutional crisis and a military one,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). “The American people deserve answers before we’re dragged into another war.”
Key Developments to Watch:
-
Iran’s military response, particularly against U.S. or Israeli assets
-
United Nations Security Council emergency session expected within days
-
Potential cyber retaliation by Iran or its proxies
-
Global energy markets, already reacting to the news
-
2026 U.S. elections, with foreign policy now center stage
As tensions reach a new peak, the world watches to see whether this strike will deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions — or unleash a far broader conflict.
