The United States has launched a major military operation against Iranian nuclear facilities, including those at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, using B-2 Spirit strategic bombers based at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Western media reported, citing military intelligence. Preparations for the attack, which took place on June 22, 2025, had been underway for weeks, with a significant buildup of air power at the Saudi base, marking a key step in the escalation of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

The sources said Prince Sultan Air Base was home to 22 KC-135 transport planes for aerial refueling, 53 F-16 fighter jets for cover, 10 C-130 military transport planes for logistics, and an undisclosed number of B-2 bombers capable of carrying 13-ton GBU-57 bunker buster bombs designed to destroy deeply fortified targets. Some of the aircraft were in hangars, making it difficult to assess their exact composition. The strike on Fordow, located beneath a rocky outcrop in Qom province, required such bombs because the site is considered the hardest in Iran’s nuclear program, designed to withstand a major attack.

Iran confirmed the strikes but said damage to its nuclear facilities was minimal. Tehran said personnel had been evacuated in advance and enriched uranium stockpiles had been moved to safe locations. Independent experts, however, could not confirm the condition of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan due to limited access to information. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was assessing the aftermath but had not yet found evidence of radioactive contamination outside the facilities.

The attack was part of a wider conflict that began in June 2025, when Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, accusing Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran responded with rocket attacks on Israeli cities, and the US entry into the conflict has dramatically increased its intensity. According to Middle Eastern media, Iran is already preparing retaliatory measures, including possible strikes on US bases in the region using ballistic missiles and drones. In particular, Tehran may attack facilities in Saudi Arabia where US forces are stationed, threatening to drag a key US ally in the region into the conflict.

Saudi Arabia, which hosted the US operation, has stepped up security around oil facilities amid fears of Iranian attacks. Analysts say an escalation could disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 20% of the world's oil passes.

The uncertainty surrounding Fordow’s status highlights the difficulty of destroying Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which was designed with external threats in mind. Despite their scale, the U.S. strikes have failed to completely neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which could prompt Washington and Tel Aviv to launch new operations. At the same time, Iran has demonstrated its readiness to retaliate, threatening the stability of the entire region.