The US has launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan, in a major escalation of tensions between the two countries. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “very successful” and said they had hit the primary target, Fordo.
Iran’s nuclear facilities have long been a point of contention between Iran and its enemies, with Israel launching surprise airstrikes on sites in Iran last month that Israeli officials claimed were necessary to prevent Iran from building nuclear bombs. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone strikes in Israel.
The Natanz enrichment facility is Iran’s main enrichment site, where uranium is enriched to up to 60% purity. The Fordo facility is also a major centrifuge cascade, while the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center employs thousands of nuclear scientists.
The US had previously helped shoot down Iranian strikes on Israel but had not launched direct attacks on Iran until now. The strikes have raised questions about Trump’s authority to order military action against Iran without congressional approval.
Tensions between the US and Iran are likely to escalate further as both countries seek to assert their influence in the region.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-3-iranian-nuclear-sites-that-were-hit-by-u-s-strikes