This morning (22nd) at 07:50, U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. military had launched airstrikes on three core nuclear facilities in Iran - Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan - breaking the decades-long precedent of avoiding direct attacks on Iranian mainland. The New York Times directly pointed out that this action constitutes a "war act".
We have successfully completed the attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
All warplanes have now left Iranian airspace. We dropped full ammunition on the primary target of Fordow. All warplanes are currently safely returning. The highest respect to our great American warriors. No other military in the world can do this. Now is the moment of peace! Thank you for your attention.
Trump Will Deliver a National Address
Middle East experts point out that this U.S. attack on Iran marks a new phase of Middle Eastern security and political landscape, with Iran's top leadership likely to retaliate by attacking U.S. military bases or their proxy forces. In the long term, the U.S. military being deeply entrenched in the Middle East may divert resources from the Indo-Pacific strategy and intensify domestic contradictions about the "America First" policy.
Additionally, Trump earlier stated that he will deliver a national address at the White House at 10 PM Taiwan time tonight:
I will deliver a national address at 10 PM tonight (10 PM Taiwan time) at the White House regarding our extremely successful military operation in Iran. This is a historic moment for the United States, Israel, and indeed the entire world.
Underground Nuclear Facilities Hit by Penetrating Missiles
It is understood that Iran's nuclear facilities are deeply buried in mountains. Argusmedia points out that the capability to penetrate such underground facilities is currently monopolized by the U.S. Air Force.
IAEA Director General Grossi reported to the UN Security Council on June 20 that Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities have "seriously deteriorated", with no harmful radiation detected for the public, but internal partial release of alpha particles and uranium hexafluoride has occurred.
International Law Doubts Surge
On the other hand, multiple advocacy groups like "Justice for All" argue that Iran currently has no immediate nuclear attack intention, and the U.S. attack lacks legal basis under the pretext of preventive war. The legality of preventive strikes has resurfaced, also increasing the likelihood of Iran's strong retaliation.
Overall, while this airstrike severely damaged Iran's nuclear facilities, it simultaneously ignited greater risks. Whether the Middle East will move towards full-scale war or return to negotiations has become the most urgent global observation point.
Bitcoin Drops to 100,866 Dollars
After the event unfolded, Bitcoin experienced selling pressure, briefly dropping to 100,866 dollars at 07:45. Before filing, it had somewhat rebounded, temporarily reporting at 102,772 dollars.
Other top ten cryptocurrencies were also simultaneously impacted, with Ethereum falling below 2,300 dollars...
