On Sunday, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that a section of the Fordow nuclear site in Qom province was attacked following US President Donald Trump’s confirmation of the strikes on social media. The report indicated that air defences in Qom were activated while hostile targets were identified.
While specifics were limited, Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that the country had already evacuated the three locations targeted by the US. Furthermore, Iranian state media confirmed assaults on nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, with Akbar Salehi, Isfahan’s deputy governor of security affairs, acknowledging strikes in the surrounding areas.
Reports from Tasnim news agency, associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, suggested that air defence systems fired in response to an assault believed to be directed at the Fordow facility, although details were scarce. Fars news agency, also linked to the Guard, noted that explosions were heard near Isfahan, corroborating reports of air defence actions.
CNN mentioned that following the US strikes, Trump discussed the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to CNN analyst Brett McGurk, the attacks were primarily aimed at conveying a message about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, not escalating military engagement, as there remains a desire to resume diplomatic relations.
Iran, having previously vowed retaliation in the event of US involvement in the ongoing conflict, has reportedly prepared military resources, including missiles, which it may deploy targeting US bases in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked that escalating tensions would pose significant risks for all parties involved.