01:02, 22 Jun 2025Updated 02:25, 22 Jun 2025<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_US-POLITICS-TRUMP-FBL-JUVENTUS.jpg\")
US President Donald Trump has confirmed strikes against Iran(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Donald Trump has said US aircraft have carried out strikes at three nuclear sites in Iran – leading to fears of further escalation.<\/p>\n
Speculation has been amounting about whether the US would join Israel in attacks on the country since the Israel-Iran war started on Friday, June 13.<\/p>\n
Israel has targeted facilities and senior Iranian security figures and scientists since the start of the war, with Iran launching strikes against targets including Tel Aviv and Haifa.<\/p>\n
It is believed the US is the only nation with the capability to target the Fordow site, which is buried beneath a mountain.<\/p>\n
Unconfirmed reports suggest the US used a number of bunker busting bombs against the site.<\/p>\n
As well as Fordow, President Trump said strikes had taken place against facilities in Natanz and Esfahan.<\/p>\n
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter<\/a>, Mr Trump said: “We have completed our very successful strike on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.<\/p>\n “All planes are now outside Iranian airspace. A full pay load of bombs was dropped on the primary site Fordow.<\/p>\n “All planes are safely on their way home.<\/p>\n “Congratulations to our great American warriors. There is not another country in the world that could have done this.<\/p>\n “Now is the time for peace, thank you for your attention to this matter.”<\/p>\n Mr Trump is set to address the US at 10pm Eastern time (3am in the UK on Sunday, June 22).<\/p>\n Israel says it launched its initial attacks in a bid to prevent Iran getting access to nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n Iran has previously threatened to retaliate against US, as well as British and French, targets in the Middle East if other nations join Israel’s assault.<\/p>\n Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who control a swathe of Yemen, have also previously threatened to resume attacks on ships traversing the Red Sea if the US struck Iran.<\/p>\n Following the strikes, Israel has stepped up the state of alert in its country, the BBC<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n Within the US itself, the New York Police Department said it was deploying ‘additional resources’ to sites in New York City.<\/p>\n In a statement, the force said: “We\u2019re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners. We\u2019ll continue to monitor for any potential impact to NYC.”<\/p>\n At least 657 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict, according to Iranian sources, with 25 Israelis also killed.<\/p>\n —–<\/p>\n Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.<\/p>\n That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable<\/strong>, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North.<\/strong> You can also <\/strong>sign up for that here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here<\/strong><\/a> to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street.<\/p>\n If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here,<\/strong><\/a> and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.<\/p>\n