Trump Hails ‘Monumental’ U.S. Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites as Khamenei Vows Retaliation
Trump hails "monumental" strike on Iran's nuclear sites as Khamenei vows continued retaliation. U.S. issues global alert, Iran threatens regional bases. Escalation prompts American evacuations from Israel as Middle East tensions reach boiling point.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Monday doubled down on his praise for what he described as a “monumental” and surgically precise military operation against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, calling it a decisive blow while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that the Islamic Republic would continue delivering its punishment in response.
Trump: ‘Bullseye’ Strike Delivered on Iran’s Deepest Nuclear Facilities
In successive posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump lauded the success of the U.S. air campaign that targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites over the weekend.
“The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be ‘monumental.’ The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you!” Trump wrote, before following up with a more graphic description of the destruction: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!”
Trump added that the “white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame,” emphasizing that the “biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye.”
Khamenei: The Punishment Is Underway
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded defiantly via X, warning that Tehran's retaliation would persist. “The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now,” he declared.
U.S. Issues Global Security Alert for Americans Abroad
The U.S. State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” for its citizens, urging increased vigilance following the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The advisory cited heightened risks for U.S. nationals abroad, disruptions to travel, and potential protests targeting U.S. interests.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the alert stated. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.”
Although the notice did not directly reference the U.S. strikes on Iran, it came as the Pentagon confirmed its forces had delivered substantial damage to Iranian nuclear assets.
Iran Threatens U.S. Military Bases Across the Region
In a chilling warning, Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Khamenei, declared that U.S. bases in the region are now considered “legitimate targets.”
“Any country in the region or elsewhere that is used by American forces to strike Iran will be considered a legitimate target for our armed forces,” he told the official IRNA news agency. “America has attacked the heart of the Islamic world and must await irreparable consequences.”
U.S. Evacuates Nationals from Israel
Amid fears of widening conflict, the U.S. has initiated evacuation flights for American citizens and permanent residents in Israel and the West Bank, underlining the seriousness of the rapidly evolving security landscape.
As both Washington and Tehran dig into their hardened positions, the international community remains on edge, bracing for what could become a defining chapter in the geopolitical future of the Middle East.
