Washington – In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that the United States military has “completely and fully obliterated” key Iranian nuclear sites, a move that has drawn swift and stern warnings of “regrettable responses” from Tehran.

In a televised address from the White House, Trump stated that “massive precision strikes” were carried out on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. He described the operation as a “spectacular military success” aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.

“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,” Trump declared, adding a stark warning to the Iranian regime. “There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”

The alleged US military action marks a direct American intervention in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Tensions have been at a fever pitch for over a week, with both nations exchanging fire.

Iran’s response to the claimed attacks has been one of fury and defiance. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement asserting that the US has “practically placed itself at the forefront of aggression by directly attacking peaceful facilities.” The IRGC vowed “regrettable responses” and warned that the extensive network of US military bases in the region now represents “doubled their vulnerability.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as an “egregious act of aggression and heinous crime,” warning of “everlasting,” “dangerous,” and “far-reaching” consequences. He announced that diplomacy was no longer an option and that Iran reserves its right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

“The warmongering and lawless Administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression,” Araghchi stated, calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

While the full extent of the damage to the Iranian nuclear sites remains unverified by independent sources, US officials have reportedly confirmed the use of powerful “bunker-buster” bombs and Tomahawk missiles in the operation. The Fordo facility, buried deep within a mountain, was a primary target.

Iranian officials have countered Trump’s claims, stating that the Fordow facility was evacuated in advance of the strikes. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran also reported that there has been no recorded radioactive contamination in the vicinity of the targeted sites.

The international community has reacted with alarm to the sudden escalation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, calling the situation “a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.” He urged all parties to de-escalate and return to diplomacy.

The alleged US strikes have introduced a volatile new element into the already combustible situation in the Middle East, raising fears of a wider, more direct conflict between the United States and Iran. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the rhetoric of “obliteration” and “consequences” will lead to a full-blown war or a potential, if fraught, path back to the negotiating table.