Bombings in Iran

Written By: Anna Zhang

The United States and Iran have had decades of old history—not all of it good. On the morning of June 22, 2025, the United States launched bombs on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Being the most direct U.S. military action against Iran in over a decade, this action raises multiple questions about national security, international relations, and the possibility of war.

Background:

For many decades, the United States and Iran have had complicated relations. Since the 1979 Iranian revolution and the hostage of 52 Americans at the U.S. embassy, these two countries have maintained a deep mistrust. However, in 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a step to improving the relationship between the United States and Iran. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear reactor, and slow down its development of nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, that deal was unraveled in 2018, when President Trump withdrew from JCPOA to place maximum pressure on Iran. This caused Iran to boost uranium enrichment, marking the beginning of military escalation against the United States. By mid 2025, Iran was approaching the nuclear threshold, with operations active in their underground facilities like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In early June, Israel began striking these facilities with the purpose of damaging their nuclear operations. Just a few weeks later, the United States entered the fight.

Officials from multiple countries gather after finalizing the JCPOA.
Photographer: Carlos Barria

Issue:

On June 22, 2025, the United States carried out strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer”. In President Trump’s national address from the White House, he justified these attacks by saying, "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror". The operation deployed several B-2 bombers on the Fordow and Natanz facilities, while Tomahawk missiles targeted the Isfahan site. According to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all three facilities sustained extensive damage and destruction. This marks the first time the United States has struck Iranian territory directly, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by saying that the United States had “placed itself at the forefront of aggression by directly attacking peaceful facilities”, vowing “regrettable responses” to the U.S. strikes. The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hints at a partnership with Russia, leaving the United States in uncharted territory.

Impact:

While Iran's nuclear facilities suffered serious damage, it was not completely destroyed. Satellite images show that there are major craters and a collapse in structures, but uranium stored in tough containers may have survived.

Craters and ash at the Fordow facility after the bombing by the United States.
Satellite image by Maxar Technologies

Meanwhile, Iran retaliated within two days, launching missiles at U.S. military bases in Iraq and Qatar. Several American service members were injured. The capital of Iran, Tehran, signaled potential attacks on Israeli and Gulf targets. This could possibly lead to a full scale war, involving Israel, Russia, and possibly other countries as well.

Media Response:

President Trump may view the attack on Iran’s facilities as a success, but other media think otherwise. Some Republicans support President Trump’s actions, while others believe that the United States should not be interfering between Iran and Israel’s war. Meanwhile, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that “President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East". Many other Democrats believe that President Trump’s actions could drag the United States into a foreign war without consulting Congress. Among Iran’s allies, most believe that the attack was cowardly and aggressive, strengthening their relationship with Iran further. The United Nations Secretary called the strikes "a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge", and believes that the situation must de-escalate. However, Israel applauds the United States, with the Prime Minister thanking President Trump for his support.

People in Tehran, Iran protest the bombings by the United States on June 22, 2025.
Photographer: Majid Asgaripour

Call to Action:

If the situation does not de-escalate, the world may very well be seeing another war. This is not just a conflict between two countries—it involves the whole world. President Trump’s decision to bomb multiple nuclear facilities in Iran was not one approved by Congress. While presidents are not forced to consult Congress before making such a decision, it is the norm to, and traditionally, presidents would have consulted Congress. This raises many questions and may set a dangerous precedent. Should the president be allowed to drag us into a potential war without consultation from others? Was the bombing of these sites in Iran the only option, or was it just the option the president decided? Only time can tell the course of action that will be taken.