US Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites: What Happened, Why It Matters & What Comes Next

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States, under former President Donald Trump, announced a series of military strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on Sunday. This marks a pivotal moment as the U.S. formally joins Israel's military campaign against Iran, significantly increasing the risk of a broader regional conflict.

Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, declared the bombing a “spectacular military success,” emphasizing that all U.S. aircraft had safely exited Iranian airspace. In a televised address, he further claimed that Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” The decision has been met with widespread alarm, with comparisons drawn to the early stages of the 2003 Iraq invasion.

What Sites Were Targeted?

The strikes focused on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—three nuclear facilities central to Iran’s atomic energy ambitions:

• Fordow, located near Qom, is a highly fortified underground uranium enrichment facility, buried hundreds of meters deep in the mountains. It can house up to 2,976 spinning centrifuges, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This site had proven resilient to previous Israeli airstrikes due to its depth and protective design.

• Natanz is Iran’s largest enrichment complex, with both above-ground and underground halls packed with centrifuges. It has long been a target of sabotage operations, including previous Israeli cyber and air attacks. It plays a central role in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

• Isfahan hosts multiple nuclear-related facilities, including a uranium conversion center and fuel fabrication plants. This site is integral for preparing uranium for enrichment and eventual reactor use.

What Weapons Were Used?

While Trump did not specify the weaponry, U.S. media reports revealed the use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs—bunker busters designed to destroy deeply buried targets. These bombs weigh nearly 13,000 kilograms (30,000 pounds) and can penetrate 18 meters (59 feet) of concrete or 61 meters (200 feet) of earth. The B-2 Spirit, a U.S. stealth bomber, is currently the only aircraft capable of deploying the MOP. It can carry and drop two of these bombs in quick succession, enabling deeper destruction.

Reportedly, half a dozen B-2 bombers dropped around 12 bunker buster bombs on Fordow, while U.S. Navy submarines launched cruise missiles at Natanz and Isfahan. This operation is believed to be the first-ever use of MOPs in actual combat.

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The Impact of the Strikes

Although Trump declared that Iran’s enrichment facilities were “completely destroyed,” this has not been independently verified. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) stated that their radiation monitoring systems and on-site inspections showed no signs of contamination or structural damage that could endanger nearby residents. The IAEA confirmed no increase in off-site radiation levels, while announcing plans to conduct a full emergency assessment.

Iranian adviser Mehdi Mohammadi suggested the strikes caused minimal damage, stating that the Fordow facility had been preemptively evacuated days prior. Meanwhile, the AEOI reassured the public that the national nuclear programme would continue despite the attacks, hailing the dedication of its scientists and referencing the “blood of nuclear martyrs.”

How Has Iran Responded?

Iranian officials denounced the U.S. attack as a gross violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)—an international pact to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the incident as “outrageous” and warned of “everlasting consequences.”

Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful, civilian purposes, and even the IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has publicly stated that Iran was not on the verge of producing nuclear weapons, though he acknowledged concerns over uranium enrichment reaching up to 60% purity—still short of weapons-grade level but significantly above the 3.67% cap outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018 under Trump.

Iran has now hinted at a possible withdrawal from the NPT, with Abbas Golroo, head of Iran’s parliament foreign policy committee, asserting that Article 10 of the treaty allows withdrawal if “extraordinary events have jeopardized the supreme interests” of a signatory nation.

Potential Iranian Retaliation

Iranian authorities have stated that they “reserve all options” in response to the U.S. aggression. This could involve:

• Direct military retaliation, especially targeting the estimated 40,000 U.S. personnel in the region, who are within range of Iran’s missile and drone systems.

• Attacks on U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf, which could significantly disrupt global oil shipments and lead to a surge in global energy prices.

• Proxy attacks via allied militias, such as those in Iraq, which could target American military bases.

On Sunday, Iran unveiled and deployed the Kheibar Shekan, one of its most advanced long-range ballistic missiles, in a retaliatory strike against Israeli targets.

Global Reactions and Risks of Escalation

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern, warning that the region is “on the edge” and that the U.S. actions represent a “direct threat to international peace and security.” Analysts fear a prolonged war, with Stephen Zunes from the University of San Francisco highlighting the potential for Iran to respond asymmetrically—through indirect strikes and cyber warfare.

Adam Weinstein, from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, cautioned that the U.S. is now at risk of being pulled into a protracted Middle East war, one that could spiral due to Iran’s continued nuclear ambition, especially if it chooses to operate secretly or exit global treaties altogether.

Trump’s Warning and Final Notes

In a final post-attack warning, Trump threatened that “any retaliation by Iran” would be met with a “force far greater” than what was already demonstrated. The situation remains highly volatile, with international observers watching closely for Iran's next move.

As the world anxiously awaits Iran's official response, fears mount that this could mark the beginning of a larger, sustained conflict, with significant global geopolitical and economic ramifications.

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