US joins Israel in war, 3 key Iranian nuclear sites hit with 'full payload of bombs', says Trump

President Donald Trump announced a few hours ago that the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, formally joining Israel’s war against Iran. The move marks a significant escalation and ended days of uncertainty over whether the US would intervene militarily.

 

“All planes are now outside Iranian airspace,” Trump declared on social media, confirming that a “full payload” of bombs was dropped on key facilities, including Fordo, Iran’s fortified underground enrichment centre. Other targets included the Natanz facility, previously struck by Israel, and a third site near Isfahan where Iran is believed to store near-weapons-grade uranium.

 

According to senior Iranian officials speaking anonymously, the strikes occurred at around 2.30am local time on Sunday. The bombings have raised fears of a broader regional war. Iran has so far avoided targeting US forces directly but has warned that any American intervention would prompt retaliation.

 

Analysts suggest that Iran could either escalate the conflict or restart parts of its nuclear programme, depending on how extensive the damage is. Despite previously expressing reluctance to entangle the US in another Middle Eastern war, Trump approved the strikes after Israeli officials pressed the case that Iran was on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons. 

 

On June 17, Trump rejected US intelligence assessments that Iran had not restarted its weapons programme, insisting the regime was only weeks away from a bomb. The war began on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise assault targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the action as necessary to prevent a nuclear “holocaust”. Since then, Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes across multiple fronts.

 

The US bombing of Fordo, buried within a mountain, signals Washington’s intent to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though experts warn it may not eliminate the programme. Following the American strikes, Israel reimposed strict wartime restrictions on its civilian population, banning all gatherings and allowing only essential workers to report in person.

 

Reaction in Washington has been divided. Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump’s decision, calling it the “right call”. Senator Roger Wicker echoed the sentiment, describing Iran as an “existential threat”. But critics have voiced concern. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie argued the action was unconstitutional, while Democrat Sara Jacobs warned the US risked entering “another endless and deadly war”.

 

Several Democratic intelligence leaders were not briefed before the strikes, though their Republican counterparts were. The lack of communication with the full Gang of Eight has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers who argue the administration bypassed critical oversight.

Middle East