World on Edge After Trump Confirms U.S. Bombed Three Iranian Nuclear Sites
In a move that stunned the globe, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that American forces carried out a “very successful attack” on three Iranian nuclear facilities—including the highly fortified Fordo complex. The strikes have ignited fears of a full-scale regional war and drawn sharp reactions from leaders worldwide.
Trump’s Declaration
Trump, speaking on Truth Social, called the operation a historic moment:
“This is a historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the world. Iran must now agree to end this war.”
Iran Vows Retaliation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks as “outrageous and unlawful,” warning that Tehran “reserves all options” in its response. He accused Washington of violating the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, adding:
“Iran will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, interests, and people.”
Allies and Adversaries Divide
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s action as a turning point, saying, “First comes strength, then comes peace.”
China: Denounced the strike as a “serious violation” of international law and demanded restraint.
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres warned the U.S. move was a “dangerous escalation” with potential “catastrophic consequences.”
European Union: Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to de-escalate and return to negotiations.
Saudi Arabia: Expressed “great concern” and monitored developments in “sisterly Iran.”
Yemen’s Houthis and Lebanon’s presidency: Both warned the strikes risk triggering a wider war.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Called the situation “volatile” and pressed Tehran to return to talks.
Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev: Mocked Trump’s recent Nobel Peace Prize nomination, saying he had “started a new war for America.”
Japan and Australia: Called for calm while affirming concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Latin America and Asia Join Calls for Peace
Venezuela and Cuba condemned the strikes as U.S. “aggression,” with Havana warning of an “irreversible crisis.” Mexico reaffirmed its pacifist stance, while South Korea convened an emergency security session.
A Plea From the Vatican
Pope Leo used his weekly address to deliver a stark moral appeal:
“No armed victory can erase the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or the theft of our collective future. Let diplomacy silence the weapons.”
Conclusion: On the Brink
The world now holds its breath. For Washington and Tehran, the next moves could determine whether this moment becomes the beginning of a fragile peace—or the ignition of a much wider war. With Iran vowing to respond and global powers demanding restraint, the fate of Middle Eastern stability—and perhaps global security itself—hangs in the balance.