The United States has launched targeted airstrikes on Iran`s Fordo nuclear facility and two other nuclear sites in a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations. In a televised national address from the White House, former President Donald Trump, currently seeking re-election, declared the operation a "spectacular military success" and issued a stark warning to Iran.
"Iran must now choose peace, or the next attacks will be far greater," Trump said, emphasizing his administration`s commitment to halting Iran`s nuclear ambitions.
Iranian state media confirmed that the Fordo site had been "attacked by enemy strikes" but sought to minimize the reported damage, providing few details about the extent of the destruction.
Analysts suggest that Trump`s decision is a high-stakes gamble to solidify his "America First" support base as the presidential race intensifies. "Trump is risking major geopolitical backlash to appeal to his core voters," wrote Anthony Zurcher, a Washington-based political correspondent.
Meanwhile, correspondents in Tel Aviv describe the escalation as a "seismic moment" not just in the ongoing US-Iran hostilities but also in the broader context of the Iran-Israel power struggle, which has sharply intensified over the past months.
Global reactions are still emerging as the international community watches closely for Tehran`s response, amid fears of a wider regional conflict.
