U.S. and Israel Strike Iranian Nuclear Facilities and Bunkers

The United States and Israel launched a series of precision airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The military operation deployed over 125 aircraft, including B2 stealth bombers and ground-penetrating munitions, to breach hardened bunkers. Donald J. Trump and senior officials declared the mission a resounding success, asserting it obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons.

The strikes followed intelligence from the Cabinet of Israel indicating that Iran had relocated thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges and roughly 400 to 450 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium to a deep underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain. This relocation occurred last autumn following a 12-day war in June 2025 known as Operation Midnight Hammer. The Pickaxe Mountain facility, situated near Natanz, reaches depths of up to 450 feet, leading some experts to believe it is resistant to conventional bunker-buster munitions.

While the Israel Atomic Energy Commission confirmed the Fordow site was rendered inoperable and the Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged facilities were badly damaged, conflicting reports suggest deeply buried networks may remain intact. Concurrently, the United States Central Command has conducted nightly strikes on Iranian military command centers to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite proposals for a 10-day ceasefire from Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan, the U.S. has maintained military pressure after accusing Tehran of violating previous agreements.