The United States has formally entered the Israel-Iran conflict after President Donald Trump authorised airstrikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran. The move, seen as a major escalation in regional tensions, was part of a coordinated military campaign dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.
The strikes targeted critical sites associated with Iran’s uranium enrichment program, including the heavily fortified Fordow complex, the Natanz facility, and Isfahan. U.S. officials say the operation was designed to significantly weaken Iran’s nuclear capabilities and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance clarified the U.S. position, stating that Washington has no intention of deploying ground troops or seeking regime change in Tehran. “We don’t want a long war. There will be no boots on the ground,” Vance said. “Our goal is to permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear program through long-term engagement. But we are fully prepared to respond to any retaliation.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed those remarks, emphasizing that the airstrikes were carefully planned to avoid civilian and direct military casualties. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, added that the mission was carried out with precision to ensure maximum impact on Iran’s nuclear capabilities while minimizing broader conflict.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned the U.S. strikes, accusing Washington of aligning itself with Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Iran. “This attack confirms that America is behind Israel’s aggression against us,” Pezeshkian said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and vowed further strikes. The escalating conflict has already included the targeted killings of several senior Iranian military figures allegedly linked to arms transfers to proxy groups across the region.
Tensions have been mounting since June 13, when Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites near Tehran and Isfahan. Those initial attacks reportedly caused significant casualties, including both civilians and members of Iran’s armed forces.
