THE HAGUE, Netherlands – In a bold assertion ahead of a NATO summit, President Donald Trump declared that recent U.S. bombings resulted in the “complete obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear sites, effectively ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. This statement comes amidst reports suggesting the military action only temporarily set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Immediate Impact
Speaking to reporters in the Netherlands, President Trump emphasized the success of the U.S. strikes, comparing their impact to the historic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “The intelligence says we don’t know…It could have been very severe,” Trump stated, dismissing intelligence assessments that indicated minimal damage.
“The U.S. bombings ended the war between Iran and Israel,” President Trump insisted, highlighting the swift action taken to prevent Iran from relocating enriched uranium.
Key Details Emerge
Trump refuted claims from The New York Times and CNN about the extent of the damage, labeling their reports as “fake news.” On his Truth Social platform, he proclaimed, “THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED!”
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, supported the president’s assertions on Fox News, stating, “We put 12 bunker buster bombs on Fordow. There’s no doubt it was obliterated.”
Industry Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded through Al-Araby al-Jadeed, asserting that Iran would not engage in further negotiations if the U.S. continued its “aggression.” Meanwhile, Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir, indicated that the campaign against Iran was not over, although the focus was shifting back to Gaza.
“The Iranian regime has severely violated the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States,” Israel Katz, Israel’s Defense Minister, stated, warning of a forceful response to any further violations.
Background Context
The announcement comes as tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, with both nations accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Trump criticized both countries for their actions, highlighting the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the region.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump urged Israel to refrain from further attacks, warning of major violations if bombs were dropped again. He also announced a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” between Israel and Iran, set to take effect within 24 hours.
Regional Implications
The timing is particularly significant as Iran launched missiles toward the Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar, though no casualties were reported. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.
“China’s foreign ministry stated that the U.S. strikes ‘seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law,’ escalating Middle East tensions.”
What Comes Next
According to sources familiar with the situation, further assessments of the bombings’ impact on Iran’s nuclear facilities are expected. As both nations navigate the ceasefire, the international community remains watchful for any signs of renewed conflict.
The move represents a significant shift from previous diplomatic efforts, with potential implications for U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Experts suggest that the region’s stability hangs in the balance as both sides evaluate their next steps.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the Middle East, with the hope that diplomatic efforts will prevail over military actions.
