What began as a calibrated delay ended in a coordinated show of force. On Saturday night, President Trump confirmed that U.S. stealth bombers had struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites using GBU-57 bunker busters, calling it a “spectacular military success.” The message: eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat and compel peace—fast.
‍

The strikes followed warnings days earlier, but satellite imagery from Maxar suggested something was imminent. Unusual truck activity was detected near the Fordow enrichment facility on Thursday and Friday—movements that now look like last-minute Iranian efforts to shield the site. Post-strike images from independent analysts suggest damage penetrated deep into the hillside above centrifuge halls, though Iran denies major losses.
‍

Tehran responded with missile barrages on Tel Aviv, Israel, killing civilians and escalating a conflict already in its ninth day. While the U.S. has avoided direct hits so far, Iran’s foreign ministry promised retaliation. Behind the scenes, U.S. officials told Tehran the attack was “one-off.” But Trump made clear in his address: “There are many targets left.”
‍

U.S. lawmakers bristled. Senator Thomas Massie and others called the action unconstitutional, despite the Constitution granting the President immense powers to act without Congressional consent for 60 days.  Trump, once a non-interventionist, now warns that if Iran rejects diplomacy, “tragedy” will follow.