In a dramatic military escalation, the United States launched targeted airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—in the early hours of June 22, 2025. The strikes, involving six precision-guided penetrator bombs and over 30 Tomahawk missiles, were carried out by B-2 bombers as part of what the Pentagon has called the most significant U.S. air operation in years.
“Peace Through Strength”: Trump’s Doctrine in Action
In a televised address, President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes and stated that Iran’s nuclear development sites had been “completely and irreversibly destroyed.” He emphasized that this was not a regime-change mission but a strategic preemptive action, urging Iran to return to peace negotiations—or face further consequences.
“We do not seek war, but we will never tolerate threats,” Trump said.
Full details were covered by Fox News.
Why the U.S. Struck Now
The move follows Iran’s exit from international nuclear talks, a decision Washington interpreted as proof of Tehran’s unwillingness to curb its nuclear ambitions. The Trump administration invoked the principle of “peace through strength”, choosing immediate deterrence over prolonged diplomacy.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed in a press briefing that the strikes dealt a “crushing blow” to Iran’s nuclear program. The use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators demonstrates the U.S.’s ability to eliminate even deeply fortified targets, reaffirming its military dominance in precision warfare.
More coverage via Interfax-Ukraine.
The Bigger Picture: A Message to Putin and Beyond
Beyond Tehran, the strikes carried a clear geopolitical message—especially to Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin. Observers suggest Trump is projecting the likely consequences of Russian stalling in Ukraine peace efforts, reinforcing U.S. resolve to act when diplomacy fails.
Despite Kremlin propaganda about Trump’s unpredictability, this operation confirmed his readiness to use force in defense of NATO interests. Russia’s inability to protect Iran, its so-called strategic partner, exposes the fragility of Moscow’s regional alliances—especially after Assad’s fall in Syria.
Detailed commentary appeared in TSN.ua.
Iran’s Response: UN Appeals and GPS Warfare
Iran, backed by Russia, China, and Pakistan, announced it would file a formal complaint with the UN Security Counciland promote a resolution condemning U.S. aggression. The proposed resolution aims to reaffirm Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy in exchange for sanctions relief.
Meanwhile, Iran has begun jamming GPS systems in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, in a tactic borrowed from Russia to disrupt commercial navigation. Iran threatened to block the strait entirely, prompting a strong warning from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who promised a “decisive response” if the waterway is closed.
More on Iran’s diplomatic reaction in this Interfax report.
Strategic Impact: The Future of U.S. Military Diplomacy
Reports suggest that the Supreme Leader of Iran is now discreetly selecting potential successors, fearing further U.S. action. Washington’s clear stance is putting enormous pressure on Tehran’s political system, proving the effectiveness of military deterrence in undermining authoritarian stability.
This action also underscores Russia’s diplomatic impotence. Despite its alliance with Iran, Moscow failed to prevent the strikes—signaling that its influence in the Middle East is shrinking fast.
The U.S. administration has made its position clear: nuclear threats won’t be tolerated, and authoritarian regimesshould not mistake American patience for weakness.
