US Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Spark Middle East Escalation

A satellite image, provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on June 22, 2025, depicts damage to the Isfahan nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran following US strikes.

The US State Department issued a "worldwide caution" for Americans on Sunday, citing increased security risks for those traveling or residing abroad due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Early Sunday, local time, the US launched attacks on three key Iranian nuclear facilities.

US President Donald Trump claimed the operation "obliterated" the sites, though officials are still evaluating the extent of the damage to Tehran's nuclear program. CNN reported that B-2 stealth bombers dropped numerous "bunker-buster" bombs on the Fordow and Natanz facilities, while Tomahawk missiles targeted Isfahan, according to a US timeline.

Iran has not yet disclosed the full extent of the damage to its nuclear facilities or detailed its response. However, it launched a new wave of missiles into Israel, resulting in injuries and building destruction in Tel Aviv. Israel continues its attacks on Iran, conducting further air raids on Tehran and western regions, claiming to have hit missile launchers, satellite facilities, and military radar sites.

Trump hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, despite his top officials previously stating the administration was not pursuing such a goal. Iran's UN representative condemned the US strikes as a "blatant crime," accusing Israel of drawing Trump into the conflict. Iran's armed forces will determine the "timing, nature, and scale of Iran’s proportionate response."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the US attacks on the country's nuclear facilities indicated the US was the "main factor" behind Israel's hostile actions against Iran. He added that the US, initially attempting to deny its involvement in Israeli strikes, eventually joined the war.