President Trump announced the US military successfully struck three significant Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. This direct US involvement follows over a week of Israeli attacks aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear program, particularly its deeply buried enrichment sites.

Fordow, considered the "crown jewel" of Iran's nuclear efforts, was the primary target. Buried deep within a mountain, it's designed to withstand airstrikes, requiring powerful bunker-busting bombs like the American GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, delivered by B-2 stealth bombers. This highlights the unique capabilities the US brings to the conflict.

Natanz, Iran's main enrichment site, had already faced Israeli airstrikes that damaged its above-ground facilities and destroyed many centrifuges. Similarly, Israel had targeted a uranium conversion facility at Isfahan. Iran's state media confirmed these strikes, though provided no details on damage.

These US strikes represent a significant escalation. Until now, Washington had focused on defending Israel from Iranian retaliation. Trump's decision comes despite his past promises to avoid foreign conflicts, swayed by Israeli officials and Republican lawmakers who saw a crucial opportunity to cripple Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The prospect of a wider conflict looms large. Iran's Supreme Leader has warned of "irreparable damage" if the US intervened, and Iranian-backed groups, like the Houthi rebels, have threatened to resume attacks on US vessels. Both Iran and Israel are preparing for a potentially lengthy war.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, its enrichment of uranium to 60 percent, a short technical step from weapons-grade, remains a major international concern. The effectiveness of these strikes in permanently setting back Iran's nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at producing atomic bombs, remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2605349/middle-east