US B-2 Bombers Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
In a major escalation, the US launches a pre-dawn airstrike on three Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan—using six B-2 stealth bombers. Iran declares the strike an act of war. Global tensions rise.
By: Anij Patel | Foreign & Defense Desk – PhinexNews
Date: June 22, 2025 | Updated: 2:27 PM GMT
🔥 BREAKING: U.S. Launches Massive Coordinated Strike on 3 Iranian Nuclear Sites — Global Crisis Unfolds
Washington, D.C. / Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation, the United States has launched a coordinated military strike on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, early Monday morning local time. The Pentagon has confirmed that six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, operating from Diego Garcia, were involved in the overnight operation.
🎯 Targets Hit
- Natanz: Iran’s main uranium enrichment center. Initial reports show complete destruction of the underground centrifuge hall.
- Fordow: Highly fortified site near Qom, built into a mountain. U.S. bunker-busting munitions were used, with significant subterranean damage.
- Isfahan: Home to Iran’s uranium conversion facility and missile development components. Secondary explosions suggest fuel or warhead stockpiles may have been hit.
🛫 Pentagon Confirms Strategic Operation
“This was a precise, multi-target operation involving B-2 bombers and stand-off cruise missiles. Our goal was to degrade Iran’s capacity to develop nuclear weapons, not to initiate a war,”
— U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
The attack began at approximately 2:05 AM Iran time. Defense officials state the mission was conducted under total radio and radar silence, with air refueling supported by KC-135 tankers over the Arabian Sea.
🇮🇷 Iran Declares State of Emergency
Iran’s military has moved to DEFCON 1-equivalent, with air defense systems activated nationwide. Iranian media has reported:
- Dozens of casualties (unconfirmed)
- Fires and secondary explosions in Fordow tunnels
- Disruption of air traffic in Tehran and Esfahan
- Mobilization of IRGC ground and missile forces
🗣️ Reactions From Tehran
“This is an act of full-scale war. The United States will bear the consequences. The blood of our martyrs will be avenged.”
— Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a televised address
🌍 International Fallout
UN Security Council:
An emergency session is scheduled for 6 PM GMT. Russia and China have jointly condemned the U.S. action as a “violation of international law.”
Israel:
No official comment, but Israeli sources say Iron Dome and Arrow-3 systems are on full alert.
Saudi Arabia & UAE:
Gulf nations have closed portions of their airspace and deployed missile defense systems. Saudi Arabia has reportedly evacuated U.S. personnel from Aramco facilities.
🐦 Key Tweets:
@AliReza_Reporter (BBC Persian):
“Sirens in Esfahan. Fordow appears struck. Unbelievable. #IranAttack #Fordow”
@AviationGeeks:
“B-2 Spirits from Diego Garcia confirmed airborne over Gulf 5 hrs ago. This was planned for weeks. #B2Bombers #IranStrike”
@BreakingIntel:
“Iran’s radar grid went down just before strike — signs of cyber prelude or electronic warfare. #USCyberCommand #Natanz”
🪖 Military Mobilizations
- U.S. Navy: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group now within strike range of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran: Launching ballistic drills in Hormozgan province.
- Iraq: Paramilitary militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, placed on combat readiness.
- Israel: IDF reservists partially mobilized.
🧠 Expert Panel Reactions
Lt. Gen. Mark Kellerman (Ret.) – U.S. Air Force:
“This is the biggest aerial attack on Iran since the start of the Islamic Republic. Hitting three hardened sites with stealth assets? That’s shock and awe — 2025 version.”
Dr. Farah Al-Sayyed – Middle East Expert, LSE:
“The fallout will be immense. Proxy retaliation, cyber warfare, oil disruptions — and possibly a collapse of regional diplomacy.”
📊 Damage Overview (Unofficial)
| Facility | Status | Key Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Natanz | Critical Damage | Centrifuge halls, power grid destroyed |
| Fordow | Partial Subsurface Hit | Reports of internal collapse, fire |
| Isfahan | Extensive Surface Fire | Fuel depots, potential missile labs hit |
IAEA inspectors are reportedly safe, but Vienna has issued a “nuclear emergency alert” pending radiation analysis.
⏳ What’s Next?
U.S. officials have warned Iran not to retaliate, but Iranian missile systems and militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon have reportedly been activated. The world watches with uneasy anticipation.
“The next 48 hours may shape the next decade of Middle Eastern history.”
— Thomas R. Kline, former CIA analyst