President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military has conducted strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, aligning with Israel's mission to dismantle the country's nuclear program. This move is seen as a risky attempt to weaken a long-standing adversary, despite Tehran's warnings of potential retaliation that could escalate into a broader regional conflict.

The decision to directly participate in the strikes follows more than a week of Israeli attacks on Iran, aimed at eliminating the country's air defenses, missile capabilities, and nuclear enrichment facilities. U.S. and Israeli officials believe that American stealth bombers, along with a 30,000-lb. bunker buster bomb, provide the best chance of destroying heavily fortified underground sites linked to Iran's nuclear program.

Trump confirmed the successful attack on the three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, stating that all planes had safely exited Iranian airspace after dropping a full payload of bombs on the primary target, Fordow.

The strikes represent a dangerous move for the U.S., as Iran has vowed to retaliate against any involvement in the Israeli assault. This decision also poses a personal challenge for Trump, who campaigned on a platform of avoiding costly foreign conflicts and downplaying the importance of American interventionism.

Israel's military has indicated its readiness for a prolonged war, while Iran's foreign minister has cautioned against U.S. military engagement, citing the potential dangers for all parties involved. The situation has raised concerns about a wider conflict, with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatening to resume attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea if the U.S. joins Israel's military campaign.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel has initiated "assisted departure flights" for U.S. citizens, marking the first such evacuation since the outbreak of hostilities in the region. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and senior commanders in a bid to dismantle Iran's nuclear program.

Iran has responded by launching drones and missiles at Israel, with limited success due to Israel's robust air defenses. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with hundreds of people killed and wounded. The situation remains tense, with no immediate plans for further negotiations.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite enriching uranium up to 60%, a step away from weapons-grade levels. Israel, on the other hand, is believed to possess a nuclear weapons program but has never officially acknowledged it. The ongoing conflict underscores the deep-seated tensions between the two nations.

Source: Global News