Jerusalem/Washington (National Times): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday applauded U.S. President Donald Trump for ordering airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a “bold and historic decision” that he believes will reshape the future of the Middle East.
In a nationally broadcast video statement following the strikes, Netanyahu declared, “President Trump and I have always said: ‘Peace through strength.’ Tonight, the United States demonstrated extraordinary strength under his leadership.”
The U.S. military, in a coordinated nighttime assault, targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. According to Trump’s comments on Fox News, the operation involved six bunker-buster bombs dropped on the underground facility at Fordow, along with 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched against the other two sites.
“Congratulations, President Trump,” Netanyahu said. “Your courageous action to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities with the awesome might of the United States will mark a turning point in modern history.”
‘Operation Rising Lion’ and the American Response
While Israel had already been engaged in its own offensive, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”, against Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, Netanyahu emphasized that America’s involvement had shifted the stakes dramatically. “What Israel initiated, the United States has now taken to a level no other nation could reach,” he remarked.
He added, “This is a pivot in history that may usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for the Middle East, and perhaps beyond.”
Netanyahu also addressed Israeli citizens in a separate video, reaffirming a long-standing commitment: “I promised that Iran’s nuclear capabilities would be destroyed. Tonight, that promise was fulfilled.”
Trump Declares ‘Spectacular Military Success’
President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, hailed the mission as a “spectacular military success,” asserting that Iran’s nuclear program had been “completely and totally obliterated.” He warned Tehran that continued aggression could result in further strikes, stating, “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump celebrated the operation’s success: “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home… Congratulations to our great American warriors!”
He added, “This is a HISTORIC MOMENT for the United States of America, Israel, and the world. Iran must now agree to end this war.”
Rising Toll and Escalating Conflict
The conflict, which began with Israel’s preemptive strikes on June 13 targeting key Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders, has quickly spiraled into a broader war. Over 600 casualties have been reported in Iran, according to human rights monitors based in Washington.
Iran has responded with a barrage of more than 450 missiles and over 1,000 drones directed at Israel, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, Israeli officials confirmed.
With tensions at their peak, the international community watches closely as Washington and Tehran edge toward a wider regional confrontation — or, as Netanyahu hopes, the beginning of an unprecedented path toward lasting peace.
