The United States has entered the escalating Middle East conflict, launching a series of airstrikes alongside Israeli forces targeting key Iranian nuclear and military sites. President Donald Trump confirmed the first wave of U.S. strikes on Sunday through a post on his Truth Social platform.
“A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” Trump wrote, also identifying Natanz and Esfahan as targets in the joint operation. “All planes are now outside of Iran air space… All planes are safely on their way home.”
The airstrikes come as part of Israel’s week-long campaign, Operation Rising Lion, described by Israeli officials as a “preemptive” effort to halt Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently denied any military dimension to its nuclear program, labeling the attacks a blatant act of war.
In a message that struck a contrast in tone with the military action, President Trump added: “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE,” calling on Tehran to avoid retaliation and return to diplomatic engagement. His appeal follows days of mounting tension and direct warnings from Iran and its regional allies.
Iran has previously cautioned Washington and other nations against intervening in the conflict, threatening retaliation against any hostile forces or weapons transfers to Israel. The Houthi movement in Yemen also weighed in, with a spokesperson declaring that U.S. warships in the Red Sea could become targets if America deepens its involvement.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 430 Iranians have been killed and over 3,500 civilians injured since the start of the Israeli offensive. In contrast, Israeli authorities have reported 25 deaths and more than 2,500 injuries.
A senior Israeli official, speaking to Axios on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Israel had been notified in advance of the U.S. strikes. Meanwhile, President Trump convened with his national security team in the White House Situation Room late Saturday, hours before the military action commenced.
In a brief statement released after midnight GMT, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the President will address the nation at 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
As the dust settles on the latest escalation, regional and global leaders brace for Iran’s next move. With warnings from Tehran and its allies growing louder, the risk of a broader regional conflict appears to be rising sharply. The coming hours may determine whether the U.S. President’s call for peace can take hold — or if the region plunges deeper into war.
