US launches massive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan
The United States has launched a coordinated air strike against Iran's main nuclear facilities. Sources confirm explosions in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Military escalation worries the international community.
In one of the most dramatic military moves in decades, the United States launched simultaneous airstrikes against three of Iran's main nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.
US military sources confirmed the operation in the early hours of Tuesday. According to the Pentagon, the targets were uranium enrichment centers and underground military infrastructure suspected of supporting the advancement of Iran's nuclear program.
Confirmed impacts
Videos and local reports indicate large explosions, columns of smoke and blackouts in nearby areas. The Iranian government has not yet released an official death toll, but local sources point to “severe damage” and dozens of dead or injured.
“This was a preemptive action in light of evidence that Iran was preparing to cross an irreversible point in its nuclear program,” said a senior US Defense official on condition of anonymity.
Iran’s reaction: “Act of war”
The Iranian regime reacted vehemently, calling the attacks “an open aggression and a declaration of war by Washington.” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei convened the National Security Council and promised a proportionate and devastating response.
“Iranian blood will not be shed in vain. From now on, all US interests in the region are at direct risk,” declared the Iranian foreign minister.
International repercussions
The UN has called an emergency meeting and countries such as Russia, China, Turkey and France have already spoken out demanding immediate restraint and warning of the risk of a war of regional or global proportions.
President Joe Biden has not yet made an official statement, but the White House confirmed that he met with leaders of the National Security Council before the operation.
What is at stake
Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan are key facilities in Iran's nuclear program. Attacking them represents an attempt to disrupt Iran's technical capacity to produce nuclear weapons — something that Tehran has always denied having as its objective.
Experts fear that this could be the start of an open war between two military powers, with the potential to involve third countries and generate severe economic and humanitarian impacts.
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