United States strikes three Iranian nuclear sites

The United States struck Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on 22 June 2025 in an operation ordered by President Donald Trump. B-2 bombers used large bunker-penetrating bombs, while a submarine launched cruise missiles against additional targets.

The administration said the goal was to severely degrade Iran's nuclear programme and support an end to the conflict. Iran condemned the attack as aggression and said it retained its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The strikes brought US forces directly into the twelve-day Israel-Iran war.

Initial official claims that facilities were “obliterated” exceeded what could be independently verified immediately. Satellite imagery showed substantial damage, while intelligence assessments examined destruction, buried stockpiles and how long capabilities might be delayed. Physical damage is not identical to elimination of technical knowledge.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said no increase in off-site radiation had been reported. Absence of a radiological release does not settle legality, strategic effect or risk to personnel. Iran later attacked a US base in Qatar with advance warning and limited damage.

The US strike entry identifies the US operation and named sites. It attributes battle-damage claims and preserves assessment uncertainty. The later ceasefire and any renewed diplomacy are distinct developments, not automatic consequences proven at the moment bombs struck.

Congress had not issued a specific declaration of war, and US officials relied on presidential authority and self-defence arguments. Domestic constitutional authority and international law are separate questions that require their own legal analysis.