On June 21–22 ,2025, the United States launched a targeted military operation against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure specifically the Fordow , Natanz and Isfahan facilities This action was a major escalation in the Iran–Israel confrontation and marked the first direct US strikes against Iranian territory in decades

1  What Exactly Happened

1.1 Targets and Timing

The strikes occurred at approximately 2:30 am Iran Standard Time (7 pm ET June 21)
The operation was announced by President Trump shortly afterward

1.2 What Was Hit

Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant underground fortified uranium facility
Natanz Nuclear Facility central enrichment complex
Isfahan site nuclear fuel fabrication center

2 Weapons and Tactics Deployed

2.1 B2 Spirit Stealth Bombers

Used to drop GBU-57A/ B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) 30000 lb bunker busters for deep underground targets

2.2 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and Submarines

Additional strikes used Tomahawk missiles launched from subs to hit Natanz ,Isfahan and other support structures.

2.3 Coordination with Israel

US strikes came after a week of Israeli operations targeting Iran’s air defenses helping pave the way.

3 Why Did the US Strike?

Framed as a preemptive measure to disrupt Iran’s rapid nuclear advancement.
Pressured by Israeli requests especially to destroy deeply buried sites like Fordow.
Diplomatic efforts had failed prompting the US to transition from talk to military action.

4 Immediate Outcome and US Statements

4.1 US Claims

President Trump described the mission as a very successful military operation and emphasized no US aircraft losses
Claimed a full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow

The US Department of Defense confirmed the strike and released a statement calling the operation a success.

4.2 Iranian Response

Iranian officials confirmed Fordow was hit but reported no radioactive leakage
Supreme Leader warned of irreparable damage if further strikes occur

5 Global and Domestic Reactions

5.1 US Political Divide

Republicans supported the action as a strategic win
Democrats and constitutional advocates raised concerns about lack of Congressional approval

5.2 International Response

Allies like Germany Australia and the UN urged restraint and diplomacy

Some including Australia’s Greens questioned the legality under international law

The United Nations also urged both countries to return to diplomatic dialogue and avoid further violence.

For a detailed timeline of the missile attacks between Israel and Iran, read our full War Day 6 report.

6 Strategic Implications

6.1 Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program

The use of bunker buster bombs and stealth bombers marks the most serious direct setback to Iran’s capabilities

6.2 Risk of Escalation

Iran warned of strong retaliation and potential for proxy warfare in Yemen Iraq and Syria

For a complete overview of missile launches and early war developments, read our special report on the 2025 Israel-Iran missile conflict.

7 Fallout for Iran’s Military Strategy

Iran is now shifting nuclear scientists and sensitive equipment to deeper underground locations
IRGC has also repositioned air defense systems around cities like Bushehr and Arak
Cyber units have reportedly launched small-scale attacks on US and Israeli systems across the Middle East

8 Economic Repercussions and Oil Market Reaction

Oil prices spiked due to tension in the Strait of Hormuz
Crude surged five percent before stabilizing as investors feared regional disruption
Inside Iran the currency fell and inflation is expected to rise further

Oil prices spiked due to tension in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, crude prices surged by five percent before stabilizing.

9 Regional Responses and Proxy Force Movements

Hezbollah and Houthis threatened retaliation
Iraqi militias aligned with Iran attacked US bases within 48 hours of the strike
Saudi Arabia and the UAE supported the US privately while maintaining public neutrality
Turkey called for peace and offered to host diplomatic talks
Pakistan increased border security to prevent cross-border militant movement

10 US Military Posture and Preparations

The US deployed more F22 fighters and a second aircraft carrier group to the region
France and the UK offered diplomatic support but warned against further escalation
NATO held emergency consultations but did not intervene directly

11 Media Coverage and Global Narrative

Western outlets praised the strike for precision and impact
Iranian state media called it aggression and showed civilian panic
Social media amplified both sides with viral videos photos and reaction hashtags like IranUnderAttack and WW3June2025
Influencers in the Middle East South Asia and Europe helped shape a divided global opinion

12 Global Security and Nuclear Diplomacy

The US strike has reignited global concerns over nuclear diplomacy in the Middle East. Many world powers now fear that peaceful negotiation may no longer be enough to prevent conflict.

China and Russia quickly condemned the attack. Both nations called it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty. They also signaled support for Iran’s right to nuclear energy under international law, while urging all sides to avoid further escalation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA has requested access to the bombed sites. It wants to assess potential damage and confirm if uranium stockpiles are still safe. Iran insists the materials are secure but has not yet granted full access.

The European Union is now calling for an emergency nuclear summit. Diplomats fear this may be the final opportunity to save the original Iran nuclear deal before a full arms race begins in the region.

Countries like Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar have also spoken out. For the first time, they are publicly urging both Iran and the US to step back and return to talks.

13 Intelligence and Satellite Surveillance

The precision of the US strike was made possible by advanced surveillance and intelligence. US cyber teams reportedly hacked into Iranian systems and tracked missile deployments before the bombs fell.

Private satellite companies also picked up heat signatures and jamming signals near Fordow just minutes before the attack. This suggests stealth aircraft and cyber warfare played a key role in disabling Iranian defenses.

Israeli intelligence provided maps of tunnels and underground bunkers at Natanz and Isfahan. They used drone footage and informants to help US bombers target deeply buried nuclear assets.

Military analysts now believe some of Iran’s remaining assets may be hidden in civilian areas. That could make any future strikes even more controversial worldwide.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has requested permission to visit the bombed sites.

14 Rising Civilian Tension and Border Instability

Inside Iran, emotions are running high. Government-led protests erupted in Tehran blaming the US. Meanwhile, social media reports showed food shortages and power cuts in some cities.

Many residents in Isfahan and Qom fled toward rural areas fearing more airstrikes. Others gathered at mosques and shelters to pray and prepare.

Iran’s western borders are under pressure. Thousands are moving toward Iraq and Turkey, causing both countries to increase military patrols and close unofficial crossings.

Ethnic tension is also rising in regions like Kurdistan and Balochistan. Experts fear outside forces could exploit separatist groups if the situation gets worse.

In parliament, Iranian lawmakers are divided. Some demand withdrawal from the Non Proliferation Treaty. Others warn that cutting diplomacy could isolate Iran even more.

15 Conclusion and Long Term Outlook

The June 2025 US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites marks a major shift in regional power dynamics
While it successfully delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions it may trigger long term instability
Analysts suggest watching three indicators
First Iran’s military and proxy responses
Second oil market fluctuations
Third any new diplomatic breakthroughs or further escalation
Whether this remains a one time strike or grows into wider conflict depends on the choices made in the coming weeks