The United States conducted precision strikes on Saturday against and destroyed, reportedly ‘completely’, three prominent Iranian nuclear facilities: Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow heightening tensions in the burgeoning conflict between Iran and Israel.
Iranian officials, in comments on state TV, confirmed the strikes. Quoting Isfahan governor’s aide Akbar Salehi, the IRNA news agency confirmed the attacks, and said that ‘many residents witnessed attacks near the nuclear centres of Isfahan and Natanz’, and reported hearing a number of explosions in both areas.
Iran’s state television reported that ‘the Islamic Republic had pulled out the three nuclear facilities some time ago’, reducing the possible human damage. The network also minimized the long-term damage, stating, “Trump typically bluffs. How much damage has to be determined. The nuclear industry of the Islamic Republic cannot be wrecked through bombing.”
‘Every US Citizen a Target’
Following the US attack, Iranian state television issued warnings of future retaliation in fierce tones. An IRNA presenter announced that all US military and civilian personnel in the region are now a ‘legitimate target’.
One viral broadcast had a map with US military installations throughout the Middle East, pointing out that ‘majority of these bases were within the fire range of Iran’. Another Iranian host made a stern threat to President Trump: “The battle has just begun, Mr. Trump! Now you speak of peace? We will deal with you in a way that makes you understand the consequences of recklessness,” Iran International said.
Iran’s Atomic Agency Criticizes US Attacks
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization criticized the attacks, a ‘blatant violation of international law’.
“Relentless attacks by the Zionist enemy in the last couple of days, Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were subjected to a brutal attack at dawn today, a move in blatant disrespect of international law,” said the organization.
They also condemned international monitoring agencies, alleging, “This transgression against international rules has regrettably occurred under the negligence or even collusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The enemy of America, via the U.S. president’s official declaration on social media, has taken credit for bombing these facilities. The international community is supposed to denounce these acts of jungle logic and lawlessness and support Iran in exercising its natural rights.”
The situation keeps unfolding as the two sides ready themselves for possible repercussions of the strike.
