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Trump Orders Direct U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites in Historic Escalation
President announces successful attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, demands Iran "make peace" or face further devastation
By ProHonos | June 21, 2025 - 11:15 PM ET
UNITED STATES - President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening that U.S. military forces have successfully conducted strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking the most significant escalation in Middle East tensions since his return to office and the first direct American military action against Iran's nuclear program.
In a historic address to the nation at 10 PM ET, Trump declared that Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities have been "completely and totally obliterated" and issued a stark ultimatum: "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier."
The strikes targeted Iran's most critical nuclear infrastructure at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - facilities Trump described as having been discussed "for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise." The President said the objective was "the destruction of Iran's Nuclear Enrichment capacity, and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror."
President announces successful attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, demands Iran "make peace" or face further devastation
By ProHonos | June 21, 2025 - 11:15 PM ET
UNITED STATES - President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening that U.S. military forces have successfully conducted strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking the most significant escalation in Middle East tensions since his return to office and the first direct American military action against Iran's nuclear program.
In a historic address to the nation at 10 PM ET, Trump declared that Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities have been "completely and totally obliterated" and issued a stark ultimatum: "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier."
The strikes targeted Iran's most critical nuclear infrastructure at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - facilities Trump described as having been discussed "for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise." The President said the objective was "the destruction of Iran's Nuclear Enrichment capacity, and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror."
"Spectacular Military Success"
Trump characterized the operation as a "spectacular military success," claiming that "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." The strikes required the deployment of what he called "magnificent machines" - likely referring to B-2 stealth bombers capable of carrying the massive bunker-busting ordnance needed to penetrate Fordow's heavily fortified underground chambers.
"There is no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close," Trump declared. "There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago."
The President framed the action as ending decades of Iranian aggression, referencing "40 years" of "death to America, death to Israel" chants from Iran. He cited the loss of "over a thousand" American lives to Iranian-backed attacks, particularly roadside bombs that became "their specialty," and noted that "hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate."
Trump characterized the operation as a "spectacular military success," claiming that "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." The strikes required the deployment of what he called "magnificent machines" - likely referring to B-2 stealth bombers capable of carrying the massive bunker-busting ordnance needed to penetrate Fordow's heavily fortified underground chambers.
"There is no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close," Trump declared. "There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago."
The President framed the action as ending decades of Iranian aggression, referencing "40 years" of "death to America, death to Israel" chants from Iran. He cited the loss of "over a thousand" American lives to Iranian-backed attacks, particularly roadside bombs that became "their specialty," and noted that "hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate."
Partnership with Netanyahu
Trump credited his close partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as "Bibi," saying they "worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before." The informal reference underscored the personal diplomacy behind the military coordination.
"We've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel," Trump said, also thanking "the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done."
The timing appears coordinated with ongoing Israeli operations. Over the past week, Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian nuclear scientists and senior commanders as part of an escalating conflict that has now drawn direct American military involvement.
Trump credited his close partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as "Bibi," saying they "worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before." The informal reference underscored the personal diplomacy behind the military coordination.
"We've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel," Trump said, also thanking "the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done."
The timing appears coordinated with ongoing Israeli operations. Over the past week, Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian nuclear scientists and senior commanders as part of an escalating conflict that has now drawn direct American military involvement.
The Ultimatum
The President made clear this was not the end of potential military action if Iran refuses to negotiate. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," Trump warned.
He emphasized that "many targets" remain and could be eliminated "in a matter of minutes" if Iran chooses confrontation over diplomacy. Trump called tonight's targets "the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal," while warning that remaining targets would be far easier to destroy.
"Remember, there are many targets left," he said. "But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes."
The President made clear this was not the end of potential military action if Iran refuses to negotiate. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," Trump warned.
He emphasized that "many targets" remain and could be eliminated "in a matter of minutes" if Iran chooses confrontation over diplomacy. Trump called tonight's targets "the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal," while warning that remaining targets would be far easier to destroy.
"Remember, there are many targets left," he said. "But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes."
International Ramifications
The attacks virtually guarantee Iranian retaliation and risk drawing in other regional powers. The strikes represent a fundamental shift in U.S. Middle East policy, moving from sanctions and diplomatic pressure to direct military action against nuclear infrastructure on Iranian soil.
European allies, already nervous about escalating Middle East tensions, now face the challenge of managing a conflict that directly involves their NATO partner. The strikes could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts and potentially isolate the United States from partners who favor negotiated solutions.
The attacks virtually guarantee Iranian retaliation and risk drawing in other regional powers. The strikes represent a fundamental shift in U.S. Middle East policy, moving from sanctions and diplomatic pressure to direct military action against nuclear infrastructure on Iranian soil.
European allies, already nervous about escalating Middle East tensions, now face the challenge of managing a conflict that directly involves their NATO partner. The strikes could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts and potentially isolate the United States from partners who favor negotiated solutions.
Military Leadership Praised
Trump praised the military leadership behind the operation, specifically congratulating Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan "Razin" Caine, calling the operation "spectacular." He also thanked "all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack" and "the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight."
The President concluded his address with a religious appeal: "I want to thank everybody and in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God Bless Israel, and God bless America."
Trump praised the military leadership behind the operation, specifically congratulating Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan "Razin" Caine, calling the operation "spectacular." He also thanked "all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack" and "the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight."
The President concluded his address with a religious appeal: "I want to thank everybody and in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God Bless Israel, and God bless America."
Coming Up
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Cain are scheduled to brief the press at 8 AM ET tomorrow at the Pentagon to provide additional operational details about the strikes.
The success of Trump's gamble now depends entirely on Iran's response. The President has essentially forced a binary choice: immediate peace negotiations or face what he promises will be swift and devastating military action against remaining targets.
Whether Iran will accept Trump's demand for immediate peace talks or choose the path of retaliation that could trigger the "far greater" attacks he promised remains the defining question of this historic moment.
Trump's closing words from his earlier Truth Social post now carry even greater weight: "NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!"
This story was updated at 11:15 PM ET following President Trump's address to the nation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Cain are scheduled to brief the press at 8 AM ET tomorrow at the Pentagon to provide additional operational details about the strikes.
The success of Trump's gamble now depends entirely on Iran's response. The President has essentially forced a binary choice: immediate peace negotiations or face what he promises will be swift and devastating military action against remaining targets.
Whether Iran will accept Trump's demand for immediate peace talks or choose the path of retaliation that could trigger the "far greater" attacks he promised remains the defining question of this historic moment.
Trump's closing words from his earlier Truth Social post now carry even greater weight: "NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!"
This story was updated at 11:15 PM ET following President Trump's address to the nation.
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