US President Donald Trump recently announced that American warplanes have conducted airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, including the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel. Trump stated that more targets remain and that if peace is not achieved quickly, further strikes will be carried out with precision and speed.

One of the targets hit was Fordo, a crucial uranium enrichment plant in Iran. The extent of the damage at this facility is still unknown. Israeli officials have confirmed full coordination with the US in planning these strikes. The US informed Iran through diplomatic channels that the airstrikes were the extent of their intended actions and that no regime change efforts were planned.

Iran has warned of potential retaliation by targeting US military assets in the region. The ongoing conflict began when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military targets on 13 June, aiming to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. In response, Tehran launched rockets and drones at Israel, leading to continued exchanges of strikes between the two countries.

Here is a breakdown of what is known so far about the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities:

• How It Started: Israel initiated the conflict by attacking Iranian targets, claiming Iran's nuclear ambitions posed a threat. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. Trump has expressed opposition to Iran having nuclear weapons, while Israel's nuclear status remains unconfirmed.
• Targets and Weapons Used: The US struck three nuclear sites in Iran - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb was used, capable of penetrating deep underground targets like Fordo.
• Impact in Iran: The extent of damage and casualties from the US airstrikes is unclear. Iran claims to have evacuated the targeted nuclear sites beforehand to minimize impact.
• Potential Retaliation: Iran has warned of targeting US military bases in the region, including the US Navy's 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain and critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's retaliation could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to an all-out war in the region. The conflict underscores the volatile situation in the Middle East and the risks of escalating tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel.

Source: BBC