Iran Israel Update: Is the US Joining the War?

The Middle East has once again become the center of geopolitical tension, but this time with a renewed urgency. On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. military forces had carried out coordinated strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. 

The operation, which included B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs, follows weeks of escalating violence between Iran and Israel. As the dust settles, a pressing question looms: is the United States now fully involved in the Iran-Israel war?

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The Strikes: What Happened and Why

According to Trump, the U.S. bombing campaign was a “spectacular success,” targeting facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These are not just any sites—they represent the heart of Iran’s nuclear program. The use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, capable of penetrating deep underground, suggests that the U.S. aimed to cripple Iran’s enrichment capabilities permanently.

The operation was reportedly planned in full coordination with Israel, which has simultaneously launched its own strikes on western Iranian military infrastructure. Satellite imagery released shortly before the attack showed unusual truck movements near Fordow, likely prompting the timing of the strike.

Immediate Reactions: Iran, Israel, and the World

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization condemned the attack as a violation of international law but insisted that no significant radioactive leaks occurred. The IAEA and Iran’s own Nuclear Safety Center confirmed no radiation spikes at or near the bombed sites.

Israel, on the other hand, has intensified its military operations, hitting multiple Iranian positions involved in launching previous attacks on Israeli soil. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed that their strikes targeted missile launchers and personnel near the Iraq-Iran border.

Meanwhile, Iran’s UN delegation demanded an emergency Security Council meeting, warning that the United States must be held “fully accountable” for what it described as “unprovoked aggression.”

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Domestic and Global Response to Trump’s Decision

Back home, Trump’s move has divided American politicians. Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz praised the strikes as a show of strength, while others, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, argued the U.S. was involving itself in another “endless war.” Prominent Democrats, such as Hakeem Jeffries and Bernie Sanders, voiced concern over Trump bypassing Congress for what they called “unconstitutional military escalation.”

In terms of public safety, law enforcement agencies across the United States have ramped up security at sensitive sites, including religious institutions and federal buildings, in anticipation of possible retaliatory threats.

Globally, the UN and EU have called for de-escalation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the U.S. decision but urged diplomacy. Oman and Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over the growing conflict.

What This Means for the US: A War By Proxy No More?

Until now, the United States’ involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict had remained largely diplomatic, with limited military presence in the region. However, the recent strikes represent a major shift. For the first time in years, the U.S. has actively targeted Iranian territory with large-scale strategic force—prompting concerns that this is no longer a proxy war, but a direct confrontation.

The Biden administration had previously warned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but it’s Trump’s second-term leadership that has brought military action. With U.S. bombers striking hardened nuclear facilities, Washington has clearly positioned itself as a major stakeholder in this unfolding regional war.

What’s Next?

Iran now faces a strategic decision: retaliate and risk further escalation or pursue diplomacy under duress. Given that the sites had reportedly been evacuated before the strikes, some speculate that Iran may delay a full-scale response, choosing instead to regroup and strategize.

Still, early signs of retaliation are already visible. Iran launched missile barrages at Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa shortly after the U.S. strikes. The question now is how far each side is willing to go—and whether this conflict could spill beyond the region.

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Conclusion

The U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities mark a pivotal moment in the Iran-Israel conflict, signaling that Washington may no longer be content to act from the sidelines. Whether this was a one-time intervention or the beginning of broader U.S. military engagement remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the world is now watching—holding its breath for what might come next.

FAQs

1. Did the U.S. officially declare war on Iran?

No. President Trump authorized military strikes without a formal declaration of war. Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized the move as unconstitutional.

2. Were the Iranian nuclear sites completely destroyed?

While Trump claims they were “totally obliterated,” independent experts and Iranian sources suggest the damage may be significant but not permanent.

3. How has Israel responded?

Israel launched simultaneous strikes on western Iranian military targets, intensifying its own campaign against Tehran’s forces and infrastructure.

4. Is the U.S. now part of the Iran-Israel war?

The strikes indicate a major escalation. While not formally at war, the U.S. has directly engaged militarily against Iran, effectively joining the conflict.

5. What might Iran do next?

Iran has multiple strategic options: retaliate immediately, wait and strike later, or engage in diplomacy. Early missile strikes on Israel suggest the cycle of escalation may continue.