Erkin Oncan
Iran's response could determine whether the recent escalation turns into a broader war, or even the widely feared World War III.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced late last night that the United States had carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "We have completed a very successful attack on three nuclear facilities in Iran-Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan included. All our aircraft are now outside Iranian airspace."
In a television address on Sunday morning, Trump said, "These strikes were a tremendous military success," and warned on social media, "Any retaliation by Iran against the U.S. will be met with a far greater force than what you witnessed tonight."
This attack, coming in the wake of Israel's June 13 "Rising Lion" offensive and Iran's retaliatory moves, has the potential to escalate tensions into a new and dangerously volatile phase.
So how did Trump's attack unfold, and what is known about the targeted areas and the process?
Which facilities did the U.S. target?
According to U.S. media, the strikes were carried out using B-2 bomber aircraft targeting Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.
B-2 Spirit bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing took off from Whiteman Air Force Base, flying over 13,000 kilometers. Media speculation over recent days about a deployment to Guam turned out to be a deception. According to reports, the bombers refueled mid-air, completed the mission, and returned to base.
The operation was reportedly named "Midnight Hammer."
Fordow: Located near the city of Qom in northwestern Iran, this uranium enrichment facility is buried deep beneath mountains and is heavily fortified. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it is designed to house 2,976 centrifuges. The U.S. is reported to have used bunker-buster bombs here. The IAEA confirmed no radiation leak occurred.
Natanz: Iran's largest uranium enrichment complex, housing specialized centrifuge halls. This facility has previously been the target of several sabotage operations and was also struck in Israel's June 13 offensive.
Isfahan: A major nuclear research and production center containing uranium conversion and fuel fabrication facilities. Operated by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, it does not enrich uranium directly but prepares materials for enrichment. Though civilian in designation, it has been viewed by the West as a possible step on the path toward nuclear weapons. The facility had been under IAEA monitoring as part of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), until the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018.
What weapons did the U.S. use?
While Trump spoke of "large-scale precision strikes," he did not disclose the exact weapons used. However, U.S. media reported the use of bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles launched from submarines.
GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP):
This is the most powerful conventional (non-nuclear) bunker-buster bomb developed by the U.S., designed to destroy deeply buried nuclear facilities, command centers, and bunkers. Weighing 13,000 kg, it can penetrate up to 60 meters of concrete or 40 meters of rock.
Developed around 2004 in response to the growing number of deep underground facilities in countries like Iran and Iraq, the MOP was jointly designed by Boeing, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the U.S. Air Force. It was first tested in 2007 and can only be deployed by B-2 bombers.
According to media reports, about half a dozen B-2s dropped a dozen bunker-busting bombs on Fordow. This marks the first known combat use of MOPs by the U.S.
However, as no official documents or footage have been released by either side, whether these bombs were actually used remains unconfirmed.
What is the damage?
Trump claimed that "Iran's key enrichment facilities have been completely destroyed," but the full extent of the damage is not yet clear.
Iran confirmed the attacks but has not released an official damage assessment. Mehdi Mohammadi, an advisor to Iran's Parliament Speaker, said the attack was anticipated and that the Fordow facility had already been evacuated:
"Iran had been expecting an attack on Fordow for several days. The facility was evacuated in advance, and today's strike caused no irreversible damage."
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) also confirmed the strike but stated that no radiation leaks or public safety risks had been detected and that operations would continue.
Reactions from Iran and the international community
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the U.S. attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities constituted a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
At a press conference during the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Istanbul, Araghchi declared that Iran would defend its sovereignty, territory, and security "by all means necessary," and added:
"We will protect Iran not only against U.S. military aggression but also against Israel's lawless attacks."
Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the U.S. not to involve itself in Israel's aggression against Iran, saying that such involvement would have "irreversible consequences" for Washington.
Cuba: "We strongly condemn the bombing"
The first international reaction came minutes after Trump's announcement, from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
"We strongly condemn the U.S. bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran. This attack dangerously escalates the conflict in the Middle East. It is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law, dragging humanity toward a potentially irreversible crisis," he said.
UN Secretary-General: "Risk of catastrophe is growing"
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the U.S. strikes, stating:
"These developments in an already fragile region pose a direct threat to international peace and security. The risk of this conflict spiraling out of control is increasing rapidly and could have catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:
"Iran must never acquire a nuclear bomb. It's time for Iran to pursue a credible diplomatic solution."
What could happen next?
In a press conference on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi declared that diplomacy was over and that Iran reserves the right to self-defense.
Iranian media began broadcasting images of U.S. military bases in the region. Since the beginning of Israel's strikes, Iran has stated that any U.S. involvement would render those bases legitimate targets. An estimated 40,000 U.S. personnel are currently within range of Iranian missiles and drones.
Where are U.S. bases in the region?
- Qatar |Al Udeid Air Base: The largest U.S. base in the Middle East; hosts over 10,000 troops and CENTCOM HQ.
- Bahrain |Naval Forces Central Command, Fifth Fleet HQ: About 7,000 personnel.
- Kuwait |Camp Arifjan & Camp Buehring: About 13,000 troops; vital for logistics in Iraq and Syria.
- Saudi Arabia |Prince Sultan Air Base: Hosts Patriot batteries and aircraft.
- UAE |Al Dhafra Air Base: Home to F-22 Raptors and intelligence aircraft; also used by France.
- Iraq |Ayn al-Asad Air Base: Main U.S. base in Iraq.
- KRG - Erbil Air Base: Hosts U.S. special forces.
- Syria |Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, al-Tanf: Non-permanent operational deployments in YPG/SDG-held areas.
- Oman |Thumrait and Masirah Air Bases: Emergency and logistics hubs under defense agreements.
- Turkey |Incirlik Air Base (Adana): Strategic NATO base near the Middle East and Caucasus, allegedly housing B61 nuclear bombs.
Strait of Hormuz closure looms
One of Iran's possible responses-beyond military retaliation-could be the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's parliament recently voted in favor of closing the strait, though the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also reiterated that closure is always an option.
The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints. About 20-30% of global seaborne oil passes through it. Any closure would severely disrupt global oil supply and cause prices to skyrocket-triggering a global economic crisis.
Additionally, the attack being carried out without U.S. Congressional approval is likely to spark political controversy domestically.
Israel's June 13 offensive appears to have opened the door to a new era of direct U.S. military involvement. The international community now awaits Iran's response-a response that could determine whether the recent escalation turns into a broader war, or even the widely feared World War III.