This is an article from the June 2025 Civitas Examiner (Volume 2, No. 3) and was written by one of our students, Molly S. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue. To read more Civitas Examiner stories or to submit your own, click here.
On June 21, the U.S. launched airstrikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, 3 central nuclear sites in Iran. Seven American B-2 bombers dropped GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, otherwise known as MOPs or “Bunker-busters”, on Fordo and Natanz. The bombs weigh roughly 30,000 lbs and can break through 60 feet of concrete before combusting. This strike was done in response to Iranian strikes on Israel as part of the conflict beginning on June 13. President Donald Trump claims that the sites were “obliterated”, though how intensive the damage is still unclear. Satellite images show 6 craters at Fordo, where 400 kg of 60% enriched Uranium was being stored in a facility 300 feet below the ground. The site is also being protected by a Russian missile-protection security system. Additionally, Iranian officials claim that Fordo had already been evacuated, and the Uranium was transported far away. Officials from Saudi Arabia and the UN have already stated that there was no increase in radioactive matter in the area after the impact. The current location of the Uranium is unknown. Iran has stated that the extent of its nuclear use is entirely civil. Despite this, typical civil use of Uranium uses a low enrichment of 3-5%. In March of this year, the director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stated that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. However, on Friday in the situation room, Trump said that she was “wrong” and Iran is actually “very close to having a nuclear weapon”.
As the issue continued to progress, multiple incidents of bombings were seen throughout the Middle East. On Sunday, Iran fired roughly 30 missiles at Israel, 4 of which made it through the missile defense system, causing damage. Additionally, Iran launched missiles at a US military base stationed in Doha, Qatar, on Monday. Eyewitness statements report hearing the explosions and seeing bright flashes in the sky as missiles were intercepted. US and UK citizens in the city were told to shelter in place as the strikes continued. Overall, there were no casualties. On Tuesday, Trump proposed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Israel agreed first, and Iran agreed after some consideration. The agreement was meant to be effective by 12:00 am (CST) on Tuesday. However, strikes persisted early in the morning from both sides after the agreement was meant to take effect. Israeli forces claim that Iran struck them first, while Iranian authorities claim that they were hit by Israel first. Nevertheless, since these attacks on Tuesday, further strikes have not occurred. The ceasefire agreement, although fragile, remains in effect for the time being.
An interview with Omri Praiss, who has family living in Israel, stated that it was a very stressful time while the strikes lasted, as they would have to move to their shelters whenever sirens sounded. He also said that he feels that enough is being done to keep the Israeli citizens safe. Unfortunately, we did not have an Iranian source we could interview.
In conclusion, the conflict between Israel and Iran has been violent and resulted in multiple civilian casualties on both sides, but as for now, a ceasefire has been settled between the two countries, and the fighting has come to a standstill.
