Trump Declares “Spectacular Military Success”
The Pentagon press conference followed President Trump’s 10 p.m. national address from the White House, where he described the strikes as “a spectacular military success… Iran’s enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
Trump, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, warned that Iran had been “backed into a corner” and urged Tehran to choose peace—or face “future attacks that would be far greater and far easier.”
He credited Israel for its earlier operations against Iranian targets and highlighted the close coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “one of the most seamless military partnerships in modern history.”
Bunker-Busters and Tactical Surprise
Fox News confirmed through Trump and other senior officials that the U.S. used five to six 30,000-lb bunker-buster bombs to cripple Fordow—Iran’s most fortified underground nuclear site.
Defense officials praised the deception tactics, including the use of misleading bomber routes and controlled leaks that suggested any military decision was weeks away.
“Those six B-2s spotted heading west toward Guam? They were decoys,” Fox’s Jennifer Griffin explained. “The real strike came from the east, in complete radio silence.”
Iran Responds: Diplomacy in Doubt
In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack and blamed both the U.S. and Israel for sabotaging diplomatic efforts.
“Last week, we were in talks with the U.S. when Israel blew up that diplomacy. This week, the U.S. followed suit,” Araghchi wrote on X.
He confirmed plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, signaling a possible strategic pivot toward stronger Russia-Iran coordination.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has yet to issue a public response.
Backchannel Diplomacy Still Active
Despite fiery rhetoric, Hegseth confirmed that diplomatic channels remain open.
“We are communicating directly with Iran—both publicly and privately,” he said. “They know exactly what the U.S. position is, and exactly what steps they can take to pursue peace.”
Still, Hegseth made clear that the U.S. won’t hesitate to act again:
“The President has no interest in an extended war. But make no mistake—if our people or partners are threatened again, we will respond with the full might of the United States military.”
Congress Reacts: Praise and Criticism
Trump’s strike drew a mixed reaction on Capitol Hill. Many lawmakers praised the President for taking decisive action to dismantle Iran’s nuclear threat, while others criticized the White House for bypassing Congressional authorization.
Some Democratic leaders even floated impeachment talk, alleging constitutional overreach, despite similar actions under past presidents. But legal scholars argue that Trump’s actions remain within the limits of the War Powers Act, which allows 60 days of military action without formal approval.
What Comes Next?
With Iran’s nuclear infrastructure severely crippled and its leadership under pressure, the world watches anxiously. Whether Tehran retaliates—or returns to the negotiating table—will shape the Middle East’s next chapter.
For now, one thing is clear: America’s message was delivered with stealth, shock, and precision.
@newsnationnowAfter the U.S. conducted three strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities Saturday, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine broke down how the US conducted the operation without Iran’s knowledge. More: https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/us-strikes-iran-aftermath-hegseth/