Trump Hails US Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Sites as ‘Spectacular Success’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the recent U.S. airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities a “spectacular military success,” warning Tehran to either pursue peace or face more devastating consequences.

Speaking from the White House, Trump said, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than anything seen over the past eight days.”

The strikes, which took place overnight, marked the first time since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that U.S. forces carried out direct attacks on Iranian soil. The targets Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan were key nuclear enrichment sites, struck using GBU-57A Massive Ordnance Penetrator “bunker buster” bombs.

Trump, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said the mission had succeeded in completely destroying the targeted facilities.

“Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump stated. “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now choose peace. If not, future strikes will be stronger and easier.”

While the full extent of the damage has not been confirmed by Iranian authorities, the strikes are reported to have occurred in the dead of night, catching Iran off guard.

The attack comes in the wake of escalating conflict in the region. Israel launched a surprise strike on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13, triggering a series of retaliatory actions from Tehran, including a barrage of rockets and drones directed at Israel. The ongoing clashes have resulted in significant casualties, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting at least 657 deaths, including 24 in Israel.

Trump announced the strikes on Saturday evening via Truth Social, after all U.S. aircraft had exited Iranian airspace. U.S. officials reportedly informed Iran through diplomatic channels that no further strikes were planned and that regime change was not the objective, according to CBS News.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Trump administration had provided prior notice of the operation. “President Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with great strength.”

As tensions rise, thousands of Iranians have reportedly begun fleeing to neighboring Armenia, fearing escalation between Iran and Israel. The conflict has also triggered a surge in online disinformation, including AI-generated content, according to cybersecurity analysts.

With the situation still unfolding, Trump issued a final warning: “Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the hardest and perhaps the most lethal. But we are prepared to act again if necessary.”