Iran says 'no signs of contamination' after US airstrikes on Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan

Tehran: As tensions soar in the second week of the Iran-Israel conflict, Iran has confirmed that three of its key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—were hit by US airstrikes early Sunday. However, Iranian authorities said there was no evidence of radioactive contamination at any of the targeted sites.

The strikes mark a significant shift in the conflict, with the United States now directly intervening alongside Israel in efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme. President Donald Trump, addressing the nation from the White House, described the operation as a major success, though independent damage assessments have yet to be made public.

Iran’s statement on radiation safety

Iranian state media quoted the country’s National Nuclear Safety System Centre, which issued a statement saying radiation detectors had recorded no release of radioactive material from the facilities.

“There is no danger to the residents living around the aforementioned sites,” the statement read.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation also confirmed the attacks but insisted the country's nuclear activities would continue. Earlier Israeli strikes on similar facilities had likewise caused no reported radioactive leaks, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

US airstrikes target deep nuclear infrastructure

According to Trump, the US military executed strikes on the three nuclear facilities using heavy aerial bombardment, including a "full payload of BOMBS" dropped on the heavily fortified Fordow site. He declared that Iran’s key nuclear targets had been “completely and fully obliterated” and said that all US aircraft had returned safely.

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan,” Trump posted on social media. “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”

In a follow-up message, he wrote, “This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!”

Israel welcomes US intervention

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision to intervene directly in the conflict. In a video message addressed to the US president, Netanyahu offered his support and gratitude for the airstrikes, which are aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The operation follows more than a week of Israeli-led strikes targeting Iranian air defences, missile infrastructure, and enrichment facilities. US and Israeli officials had stated that only American stealth bombers equipped with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs could reach deeply buried nuclear sites like Fordow.

The direct involvement of the US military represents a high-stakes gamble for Trump, who has historically opposed American intervention in foreign wars. His administration has justified the strike as a necessary step to neutralise a long-time adversary without triggering a broader regional war.

However, the decision carries significant risk. Iran has repeatedly vowed to retaliate if the US entered the conflict. Trump, meanwhile, has issued a warning of further escalation should Iran respond with force.

“There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,” he said.

(With inputs from AP)