Iran Confirms US Strike Severely Damaged Key Nuclear Facilities

The United States military has used its B-2 stealth bombers to target Iran's nuclear facilities, specifically Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. This action aimed to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme after diplomatic discussions between the two nations stalled amid tensions with Israel.

Iran's foreign ministry acknowledged the damage on Tuesday, marking the first time they admitted the impact of these strikes. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the ministry, confirmed to Al Jazeera that their nuclear sites had been "badly damaged." However, he refrained from providing further details about the extent of the destruction or the current status of these facilities.

US and Israeli Military Actions

President Donald Trump celebrated what he described as a triumph in ending the conflict between Iran and Israel. Speaking at The Hague, he credited his decision to support Israel's strikes against Iran as a "victory for everybody." Despite reports suggesting only temporary setbacks to Iran's nuclear programme, Trump dismissed these findings as "inconclusive."

"The intelligence was very inconclusive. The intelligence says we don't know. It could've been very severe. That's what the intelligence suggests," Trump told reporters. "It was very severe. It was obliteration. Iran's nuclear program has been put back decades," he added.

International Reactions and Future Steps

Israel also participated in targeting Iranian nuclear sites, claiming their actions were intended to hinder Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had brought Iran’s nuclear facilities "to ruin." Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his intent to send inspectors back to Iran to evaluate the damage and verify uranium stockpiles.

Trump expressed confidence that Tehran would not attempt to rebuild its nuclear capabilities but would instead pursue diplomatic reconciliation. He remarked that Iran is unlikely to enrich anything soon and is more focused on recovery.

When questioned about potential future US military actions if Iran resumes its enrichment activities, Trump affirmed readiness for further strikes if necessary.