In a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States launched coordinated airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, marking its first direct military involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the development on his Truth Social platform, describing the operation as a “very successful attack.” He stated that the targeted sites — the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities — were heavily fortified and had previously withstood Israeli bombardments due to their underground location in mountainous terrain.

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan,” Trump posted. “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian officials have strongly condemned the strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the U.S. action as a flagrant violation of international norms and agreements, including the United Nations Charter and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said in a post on social media. “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”

Araghchi further warned that Iran reserves the right to respond, stating that “all options are on the table to defend our sovereignty, interests, and people.”

Analysts have expressed concerns that the U.S. strike could further destabilize the region, with potential retaliation from Iran and its regional allies. Since the beginning of the war with Israel, Iran had refrained from targeting U.S. assets, but Sunday’s development could alter that calculus. U.S. bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and elsewhere may now be at heightened risk.

The U.S. had faced mounting pressure from Israel and pro-Israel lawmakers in Washington to intervene militarily. Although President Trump initially stated he would decide within two weeks, the strikes took place just three days later.

In a statement carried by Al Jazeera, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that there was no radioactive leakage or threat to surrounding communities following the strikes.

“Following the illegal U.S. attack on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, field surveys and radiation system data showed no contamination recorded,” the agency said. “There is no danger to residents around these sites. Safety is in a stable state.”

Despite the attack, the agency reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain undeterred.