President Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Saturday night, characterizing recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as a “spectacular military success.” He emphasized that there would be “far greater” military action if Iran does not choose to “make peace.”

Trump warned Iran that its fate could be tragic if it fails to negotiate, stating, “Remember, there are many targets left.” In his speech, Trump revealed that the U.S. had targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

He claimed that these sites had “been completely and totally obliterated.” The president stated that the main goal of the strikes was to eliminate the nuclear threat posed by Iran, which he labeled as the “world’s No.

1 state sponsor of terror.” Before taking military action, Trump had sought a diplomatic solution to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump described the three chosen targets as “the most difficult of them all” and expressed confidence that future strikes could be executed “with precision, speed and skill” if necessary. He acknowledged the contributions of U.S. service members and thanked the Israeli military, which had been launching strikes against Iranian facilities prior to the American action.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the strikes but insisted that they would not impede its nuclear program’s advancement. The organization condemned the attacks and called for a global response.

Iranian officials threatened retaliation if the U.S. continued its involvement, warning that it could lead to all-out war. Following the strikes, Trump stated that any Iranian retaliation “WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT.”

The targeted sites play a crucial role in Iran’s nuclear efforts. Fordo is buried deep underground and heavily fortified, while Natanz is known as Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility.

The Isfahan site is associated with nuclear research and development. Each location is vital to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with international agencies monitoring the situation closely as tensions escalate in the region.

FBI Director Kash Patel has intensified the monitoring of potential domestic sleeper cells associated with Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization backed by Iran. This increased vigilance comes in the wake of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which began earlier this month. However, both the White House and the FBI have chosen not to comment on the matter. Concerns over threats from Iranian operatives have heightened among current and former U.S. administration officials, particularly following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on orders from former President Trump in January 2020.

These worries intensified late last year when federal prosecutors charged an operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) along with two U.S.-based individuals for allegedly planning to surveil and assassinate critics of the Iranian regime. The IRGC operative reportedly stated that he was pressured by unnamed IRGC officials to devise an attack against Trump. For years, U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been on high alert regarding Iran’s potential to orchestrate or inspire attacks within the United States. This concern has substantially escalated since Soleimani’s death, prompting the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies to allocate considerable resources to counter this threat.

There are various potential targets for such attacks. Recently, individuals have faced charges for plotting to kill Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, and Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad, both known for their criticisms of the Iranian government. Although Bolton received Secret Service protection in 2021, Trump revoked that protection earlier this year. In light of escalating tensions, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the president would decide on the matter within two weeks, noting a “substantial chance of negotiation” with Iran.

Iran has indicated it would retaliate if the U.S. chooses to take military action.

Israel has yet to target Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, even as tensions continue to escalate. While Iran has two known underground nuclear enrichment sites, the Natanz facility, which Israel attacked recently, and Fordo, the latter has long been regarded as particularly concerning for international monitors.

Nestled within a mountainous region, Fordo is believed to be the site of Iran’s covert efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Despite U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s assertion in March that American intelligence agencies did not believe Iran was constructing a nuclear weapon, Israel’s military has disputed this.

Following the initiation of its attack on Iran, Israeli officials claimed that information regarding Iranian nuclear advancements was outdated and that Iran was “racing towards a nuclear bomb.” Brigadier General Effie Defrin of the Israel Defense Forces stated that intelligence indicated Iran had established a secret program with senior nuclear scientists conducting experiments necessary for building nuclear arms.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, consistently denying any intent to develop weapons. However, if Israel’s claims hold merit, Fordo would play a vital role in any potential nuclear weapons capability, given the decades of analysis underscoring the site’s significance.

Israel recently targeted Natanz, the only other known facility with substantial uranium enrichment in Iran, causing damage. However, the activities at Fordo, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, have gone largely unverified.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently declared Iran non-compliant with monitoring efforts for the first time in two decades, indicating mounting concern over the lack of transparency regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Experts emphasize that Fordo’s concealed location, substantial size, and advanced machinery raise alarms about its intentions.

In particular, the installation of advanced centrifuges capable of rapidly enriching uranium heightens the threat level. Recent findings of uranium particles enriched to nearly 84% purity at Fordo, close to the level required for nuclear weapons, further underscore the urgency surrounding this facility and the broader implications for regional security.

Israeli authorities have accused Iran of intentionally targeting civilians with missile strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people since the escalation of open conflict began. On early Monday morning, Iran launched another barrage of missiles toward Israel, prompting air raid sirens to blare across the nation.

The Israeli military reported that at least eight civilians were killed during this latest onslaught, which further escalated tensions in an already volatile situation. Among the missile strikes, one fell near the American consulate in Tel Aviv, causing minor damage but fortunately no injuries to American personnel.

In retaliation for what it described as extensive attacks on its military and nuclear infrastructure, Iran claimed to have launched approximately 100 missiles, asserting that Israeli strikes had resulted in a death toll of at least 224 in Iran since the conflict ignited four days prior. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that Iranian missile attacks have caused a total of 24 fatalities and approximately 500 injuries within Israel.

An IDF spokesperson expressed that while Israel targets military capabilities, Iran is deliberately striking at civilian population centers. In response, the IDF launched an operation involving 50 aircraft that reportedly destroyed over 120 missile launchers in Iran.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that residents of Tehran would face consequences for Iran’s attacks on Israeli civilians. This ongoing conflict has stymied any diplomatic discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program that were scheduled to take place that weekend.

Amidst the chaos, the devastation inflicted on civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings in central Israeli cities, has led to widespread concern and calls for continued military action. Health authorities reported severe casualties on both sides, with numerous injuries and substantial property damage.

Rights organizations have alleged that Iran’s governmental figures on casualties are vastly underreported, suggesting higher death tolls among civilians. As tensions mount, each side continues to trade accusations while escalating military actions.