⚡ Summary
In a dramatic and unprecedented move, the United States launched a direct military strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, one of the country’s most fortified and controversial uranium enrichment sites. The operation, carried out overnight, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran, the United States, and its ally Israel.
🛩️ Details of the Strike
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Target: Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, located near Qom, Iran — built deep inside a mountain to resist air attacks.
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Weapons used: U.S. B-2 stealth bombers deployed Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) — 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs capable of penetrating hardened underground facilities.
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Other targets: Simultaneous strikes were also reported at Natanz and Isfahan, key parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
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Coordination: The strikes were closely coordinated with Israel, which had previously carried out preliminary strikes against Iranian air defenses and radar systems earlier this month.
🗨️ U.S. Government Reaction
Former President Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House, declared in a press statement:
“The Fordow facility has been completely and totally obliterated. Iran must now choose peace, or face further consequences.”
White House officials claimed the operation was “defensive in nature,” designed to prevent Iran from reaching weapon-grade uranium levels.
🇮🇷 Iran Responds
Iran confirmed the attack but downplayed its impact:
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Officials stated the Fordow site was “non-operational at the time,” with no radioactive leakage.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed retaliation, saying:
“The Islamic Republic will respond forcefully to this blatant act of aggression.”
Mass protests have erupted across Iran, with chants of “Death to America” reported in Tehran, Qom, and Shiraz.
🌐 Global Reaction
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United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres warned the strike risks “a catastrophic regional war.”
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Russia and China: Condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law and Iran’s sovereignty.
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European Union: Expressed concern over “potential nuclear fallout and regional destabilization.”
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Israel: Welcomed the strike, calling it a “decisive moment for global security.”
📍Why Fordow Matters
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Fordow is buried 80–90 meters underground and designed to withstand conventional bombing.
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It was previously used to enrich uranium up to 60% purity — far beyond civilian needs.
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U.S. intelligence feared the site was being prepared for weapons-grade enrichment (>90%).
📉 Oil Prices & Economic Fallout
Following the strike:
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Brent crude oil surged past $105/barrel.
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Global markets dipped amid fears of Iranian retaliation against Gulf shipping lanes and U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and Qatar.
🔮 What’s Next?
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Retaliation Watch: U.S. bases across the Middle East are on high alert.
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Diplomatic Pressure: Emergency UN Security Council meeting scheduled.
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War Powers Debate: U.S. Congress divided over legality of the strike without formal authorization.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.
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