On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out a “very successful attack” on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow facility. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, “All planes are safely on their way home,” while commending the efforts of the “great American Warriors.” He concluded his message with a surprising note: “Now is the time for peace.”
The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as Trump’s decision to join the Israeli-led military campaign came after extensive deliberation. According to two White House officials, Trump discussed the US involvement in the strikes with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the operation.
Read more: Iran and Israel Trade Blows After Isfahan Nuclear Site Attack
US B-2 stealth bombers reportedly took part in the coordinated attacks, according to a defense official who spoke to Reuters under the condition of anonymity. The deployment follows more than a week of violent confrontations between Israel and Iran, which have led to casualties on both sides.
Iranian officials have now confirmed that three nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—were targeted in the strikes. However, they claimed the damage was minimal. Hassan Abedini, deputy political director of Iran’s state broadcaster, said the sites had been evacuated earlier and no radioactive materials were present. “Even if Trump’s claims are true, we didn’t suffer a major blow,” he said on state TV.
Additional confirmations came from local officials. Morteza Heydari, spokesperson for Qom Province’s Crisis Management, acknowledged aerial attacks on parts of the Fordow nuclear site. Akbar Salehi, deputy governor for security in Isfahan, reported explosions near both the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities.
Israeli broadcaster Kan quoted an Israeli official stating that the US strikes were carried out in “full coordination” with Israel. The objective, according to Israeli sources, is to eliminate any possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by Western nations to de-escalate tensions have so far failed.
In a separate post, Trump declared, “Fordow is gone,” referring to the heavily fortified nuclear facility buried deep within a mountain near Qom.
The announcement follows earlier reports that four US B-2 bombers—accompanied by aerial refueling aircraft—had departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Though their initial destination appeared to be Guam, speculation grew that the aircraft could be redirected to Diego Garcia, a US base within striking distance of Iranian targets.
The Fordow site, built 300 feet underground, has long been considered one of Iran’s most secure nuclear facilities. Alongside Natanz and Isfahan, it forms the backbone of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Analysts suggest that the use of B-2 bombers points to a strategic message of deterrence. The B-2 Spirit, priced at $2.1 billion per unit, is capable of carrying the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a bunker-busting bomb designed to target fortified sites like Fordow.
While the Pentagon has yet to release an official statement on the mission, military experts believe the bomber deployment was a clear signal of US resolve and operational readiness.
