US Bracing For Iranian Retaliation In 'A Day Or Two' Following Airstrikes On Nuclear Facilities: Reports

The US administration is preparing for a potential Iranian retaliation following the American airstrikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend - Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

Although the US reportedly continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution, officials believe Iran may launch retaliatory attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East as early as the next day or two.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Two US officials indicated that a retaliatory strike by Iran could occur in a day or two, reported Reuters.

Iran has vowed to retaliate after the US bombed its nuclear installations at the weekend - a move President Donald Trump claimed had "completely and totally obliterated" the targeted enrichment facilities.

US strikes Iranian nuclear sites

On Saturday, the US struck the three nuclear sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan - deploying bunker-busting bombs. President Trump urged Iran to agree to "end the war" following what he described as a "historic moment for the United States of America, Israel and the world."

Confirming the airstrikes, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter."

In a follow-up post, he added: "I will be giving an Address to the Nation at 10:00 P.M., at the White House, regarding our very successful military operation in Iran. This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!"

These airstrikes mark the US's direct entry into the Israeli-led military campaign against Iran.

In his address to the nation, President Trump stated: "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier."

Responding to the strikes, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel's earlier bombing campaign launched on 13 June, calling it "a big mistake."

He further declared on social media: "The Zionist enemy... is being punished right now."