US joins Israel in precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities | Top developments

US joins Israel in precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities | Key developments

The United States military carried out coordinated airstrikes on three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marking a major escalation in the conflict between Iran, Israel, and their allies.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes in a Truth Social post, calling it a “very successful attack” and adding, “All planes are now outside of Iran's airspace… NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were carried out in “full coordination” with Israel. In a video statement, he said the US strikes fulfilled a promise he made earlier this month when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion. “At the beginning of the operation, I promised you that Iran’s nuclear facilities would be destroyed… this promise was kept,” Netanyahu said. He also revealed that Trump called him immediately after the strikes to congratulate him and the Israeli military.

Top Developments:  

• The US targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 stealth bombers equipped with bunker-busting GBU-57 bombs, capable of penetrating Iran’s fortified underground facilities.
• In a follow-up statement, Trump said the attack proved American strength and warned Iran of “far greater” consequences if it continued its nuclear pursuits.
• Trump and Netanyahu both emphasised that the strikes were a product of tight collaboration between the Israeli military and US forces.
• Netanyahu said the US completed what Israel started, declaring: “This promise was kept.” He praised Trump for his leadership and described him as a “friend like no other.”
• According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the strikes did not cause radioactive contamination beyond the targeted sites.
• Iran responded by launching 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israeli targets, killing at least 24 people and damaging civilian infrastructure.
• A Washington-based Iranian human rights group reported over 600 deaths inside Iran due to the combined US-Israel strikes.
• The US use of GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, the first known in combat, highlighted the intent to destroy heavily protected sites that Israel couldn’t reach alone.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the situation risks spiralling out of control. Turkey, China, and Russia have called for restraint and renewed diplomacy.
• With both sides trading attacks, the Iran-Israel conflict has entered a volatile second week. Diplomatic efforts in Europe have failed to make progress.