The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, asserted this Sunday that the United States is not at war with Iran but with its nuclear program and claimed that they are prepared in case of reprisals from Tehran for the attacks on the three main nuclear facilities of that nation.
In a press conference from Washington, the official warned that U.S. forces remain "on high alert" and are fully prepared to respond to "any Iranian retaliation or power strikes," a decision that would be "incredibly poor," as he noted.
Hegseth clarified that the bombing this Saturday of the three main facilities of the Iranian nuclear program did not target the troops or the people of that country.
"Trump has considered for over 10 years that Iran should not acquire a nuclear weapon. Thanks to his bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been dismantled," he added.
In his appearance alongside the Chief of the Joint Staff, Dan Caine, he detailed that the plan, dubbed “Midnight Hammer Operation,” took months and weeks of positioning and preparation: "It required great precision. It involved deception and the utmost operational security".
Donald Trump, for his part, warned that in the event of an Iranian attack, the U.S. would respond with even greater force.
In a message from his social media, the president wrote: "Any retaliation from Iran against the U.S. will be met with a force far greater than what was seen tonight."
The attack by the U.S.
The large-scale attack on three nuclear facilities in Iran involved a military operation that combined B-2 Spirit strategic bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines.
The operation completely destroyed the Fordow enrichment facility and also targeted the plants in Natanz and Isfahan.
The offensive, carried out in the early hours of Saturday after strong warnings from the U.S. president, represents one of the most decisive actions against the Iranian nuclear program in decades and has generated immediate reactions both in Tehran and around the world.
The Fordow facility, located about 90 meters underground near the city of Qom, was completely destroyed, according to reports from Fox News and a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Simultaneously, U.S. submarines launched 30 cruise missiles TLAM (Tomahawk Land Attack Missile) at the nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, located about 640 kilometers away. An additional B-2 also dropped two bunker-busting bombs on the Natanz plant, according to the same sources.
Iran's response
From Istanbul, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated this Sunday that his country has "a variety of options" when it comes to deciding how to respond to U.S. attacks.
From attacking U.S. bases in the region to closing a key waterway for global navigation, it is likely that Iran is considering its next moves. All of these carry inherent risks for the Islamic Republic, Israel, and the United States.
Although Iran's strongest ally in the region was once Hezbollah in Lebanon, the group has been significantly weakened by Israeli attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict between the United States and Iran
Is the United States at war with Iran?
The United States is not at war with Iran, but rather its conflict is specifically with the Iranian nuclear program. According to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the recent attacks targeted nuclear facilities and not the Iranian troops or people.
How has Iran responded to the attacks by the United States?
Iran has declared that it has "a variety of options" to respond to U.S. attacks, which could range from attacking U.S. bases in the region to closing key waterways for global navigation. However, any response carries significant risks for Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Which Iranian nuclear facilities were attacked by the United States?
The United States attacked the nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The attack was a combination of B-2 Spirit strategic bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles, resulting in the complete destruction of the Fordow enrichment center and significant damage to the other plants.
What is the United States' stance on the use of force against Iran?
The U.S. administration, under the leadership of Donald Trump, has made it clear that the military option is on the table and that any retaliation from Iran will be met with superior force. However, they have also expressed their willingness to negotiate if Iran abandons its nuclear program.
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