On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump announced from the White House that he would no longer be telegraphing to the nation. He declared a new military campaign to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. On June 21, Air Force bombers struck at three Iranian nuclear facilities. One of those sites was Iran’s covert, underground fuel enrichment plant at Fordow.
In his address, Trump emphasized the operation’s success, stating that it was a decisive action aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He claimed, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.” This declaration would be consistent with the administration’s long-standing opposition to any effort to cut off answers to perceived threats from Tehran.
As such, the targeted sites were deliberately chosen as part of a longer term strategic campaign to degrade Iran’s nuclear program. Fordow, in particular, has been in the crosshairs since its exposed nature on radar and the heavily fortified underground facilities was brought online to enrich uranium. Further complicating everything, the U.S. military’s engagement in this operation highlights the tension between the two nations that continues to escalate every day.
Following the strikes, Trump provided updates via his Truth Social network, noting that “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.” This statement emphasizes the operational safety measures that have been implemented to reduce risks to U.S. personnel in the wake of the airstrikes.
As you might expect, the president’s announcement received a wildly disparate response – both at home and abroad. Although Trump called on Tehran to seek peace in the wake of these strikes, critics condemned the operation as “short-sighted.” Lawmakers and policy experts across party lines are posing and pressing for answers on the lasting consequences of militarized action. They are deeply concerned about the likelihood for further escalation throughout the region.