Middle East tensions erupt as US strikes Iran’s nuke sites
Staff Reporter :
Amid escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States ultimately launched a surprise military operation, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites-Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan-late Saturday night.
US President Trump despite his own ‘fortnight diplomacy’ to see the situation, it carried out the attack on Iran without caring the charter of the United Nations and international order.
The coordinated strike, carried out using B-2 stealth bombers and
precision-guided munitions including Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), severely damaged the facilities. US President Donald Trump later declared that the strikes had “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“We devastated the Iranian nuclear programme,” said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a press briefing. “But this mission was not about regime change. It was about neutralizing an existential threat.”
The B-2 stealth bombers, capable of carrying heavy bunker-buster bombs, were deployed in an 18-hour classified mission, with seven bombers taking part. These aircraft are considered the only operational jets capable of reaching and damaging deeply buried facilities like Fordo, which lies beneath a mountain near the city of Qom.
According to US military officials, around 75 precision-guided weapons were used in the strikes, including 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators. The first bombs hit at 18:40 Eastern Time (00:40 local time in Iran), and the final strike occurred just after 19:05 ET.
Iranian authorities sought to calm public fears following the attack. “There is no danger to the people of Qom and the surrounding area,” announced the province’s crisis management department, as reported by IRNA.
Despite the severity of the damage, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said, “Despite the evil plots of its enemies, Iran will not let the path of development of this national industry be stopped.”
On the other hand, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no increase in radiation levels had been detected at or around the targeted sites.
“No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time,” the agency posted on X (formerly Twitter), attempting to quell fears of a nuclear fallout in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission also confirmed that “no radioactive effects were detected on the environment of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf states.”
In the wake of the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled the strikes as a “crossing of a major red line” and accused both the US and Israel of launching a war of aggression.
Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul, he said Iran reserves “all options” in line with the UN Charter to defend its sovereignty.
Araghchi also announced an urgent diplomatic mission to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a possible shift toward stronger regional alliances in response to US and Israeli actions.
Meanwhile, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. At least 23 people were injured, and several buildings were damaged, particularly in the Ramat Aviv district.
The Israeli military said it responded by striking military targets in western Iran, including missile launchers and Iranian armed forces units.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a celebratory statement, claiming that his long-standing promise to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been fulfilled.
“From the beginning of the operation, I promised you that Iran’s nuclear facilities would be destroyed-one way or another. This promise has been fulfilled,” he declared in a video statement.
He emphasized that the attack was carried out “in perfect coordination” with the US military and President Trump.
World Condemnation The international community responded swiftly. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge,” calling instead for a diplomatic resolution. “At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. The only path forward is diplomacy.”
China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the US action, warning that it would further destabilise the region. “China calls on all parties, especially Israel, to cease fire immediately,” it said.Iraq echoed similar concerns, calling the attack a “grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East.”
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to return to diplomatic talks. Starmer stressed that while Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, “stability in the region is a priority.
“Vice-President JD Vance, speaking to NBC News, stated that the United States is “not at war with Iran, but with its nuclear ambitions.” He argued that the operation was within the President’s authority and aimed solely at halting nuclear proliferation.
Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasised that the US had exhausted all diplomatic avenues before the strike. “Trump was fully committed to the peace process,” he said. “He gave Iran every opportunity, but was met by stonewalling. Eventually, he realized it was time to act to minimize the threat.”
As tensions remain high, analysts warn of a potential broader conflict erupting in the Middle East. With Iran vowing retaliation and the US and Israel standing firm on their positions, the chances of a quick diplomatic resolution appear slim.