Washington, June 23, 2025 – President Donald Trump made a stunning decision to attack Iranian nuclear sites just minutes before U.S. bombs hit their targets, Vice President JD Vance revealed. The move shocked the world and escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Vance shared this on NBC’s Meet the Press on Saturday. He said Trump could have stopped the attack until the last second but chose to go forward. “He had the power to call it off, but he decided it was necessary,” Vance explained. The strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted three key nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
The U.S. used massive “bunker buster” bombs, dropped around 6:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, or 2:10 a.m. Sunday in Iran. These bombs, called GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, weigh 30,000 pounds and can destroy deeply buried targets. According to the Pentagon, the attack caused “extremely severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, Iran claims no radiation leaked and says its nuclear program will continue.
For days, Trump had been weighing whether to join Israel’s campaign against Iran. He told his press secretary to announce a two-week timeline for a decision. But behind closed doors, he leaned toward action. A senior White House official told CNN, “Trump gave the final order on Saturday.” He directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to proceed, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by envoy Steve Witkoff.
Now, the U.S. is on high alert. Vance called it a “delicate moment,” saying Iran’s next moves will be clear within 24 hours. Iran has warned of retaliation if the U.S. joined Israel’s attacks, which began on June 13. On Sunday, Iran fired 30 missiles at Israel, with four hitting targets and causing injuries.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed for talks with Iran. “They can have nuclear energy, but no uranium enrichment,” Rubio said on CNN. He criticized Iran for dodging direct negotiations. “They pass notes like kids in school. We want real talks,” he added. Rubio said Iran’s refusal to negotiate left Trump no choice.
Vance also addressed fears of a bigger war. “We don’t want boots on the ground,” he said. He warned Iran against blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. “That would be suicidal for their economy,” he noted. The U.S. State Department urged Americans in Iran to shelter in place, as Switzerland closed its office assisting U.S. citizens.
The attack has sparked debate. Some Republicans, like Senator Lindsey Graham, praised Trump’s “courageous” move. Others, like Representative Thomas Massie, called it “unconstitutional” without Congress’ approval. Democrats, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, demanded a briefing from Trump.
At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), or america112.com, we’re tracking this story closely. The world waits to see if Iran retaliates or if diplomacy can ease tensions. For more updates, visit CNN’s coverage.Washington, June 23, 2025 – President Donald Trump made a stunning decision to attack Iranian nuclear sites just minutes before U.S. bombs hit their targets, Vice President JD Vance revealed. The move shocked the world and escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Vance shared this on NBC’s Meet the Press on Saturday. He said Trump could have stopped the attack until the last second but chose to go forward. “He had the power to call it off, but he decided it was necessary,” Vance explained. The strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted three key nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
The U.S. used massive “bunker buster” bombs, dropped around 6:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, or 2:10 a.m. Sunday in Iran. These bombs, called GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, weigh 30,000 pounds and can destroy deeply buried targets. According to the Pentagon, the attack caused “extremely severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, Iran claims no radiation leaked and says its nuclear program will continue.
For days, Trump had been weighing whether to join Israel’s campaign against Iran. He told his press secretary to announce a two-week timeline for a decision. But behind closed doors, he leaned toward action. A senior White House official told CNN, “Trump gave the final order on Saturday.” He directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to proceed, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by envoy Steve Witkoff.
Now, the U.S. is on high alert. Vance called it a “delicate moment,” saying Iran’s next moves will be clear within 24 hours. Iran has warned of retaliation if the U.S. joined Israel’s attacks, which began on June 13. On Sunday, Iran fired 30 missiles at Israel, with four hitting targets and causing injuries.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed for talks with Iran. “They can have nuclear energy, but no uranium enrichment,” Rubio said on CNN. He criticized Iran for dodging direct negotiations. “They pass notes like kids in school. We want real talks,” he added. Rubio said Iran’s refusal to negotiate left Trump no choice.
Vance also addressed fears of a bigger war. “We don’t want boots on the ground,” he said. He warned Iran against blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. “That would be suicidal for their economy,” he noted. The U.S. State Department urged Americans in Iran to shelter in place, as Switzerland closed its office assisting U.S. citizens.
The attack has sparked debate. Some Republicans, like Senator Lindsey Graham, praised Trump’s “courageous” move. Others, like Representative Thomas Massie, called it “unconstitutional” without Congress’ approval. Democrats, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, demanded a briefing from Trump.
At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), or america112.com, we’re tracking this story closely. The world waits to see if Iran retaliates or if diplomacy can ease tensions. For more updates, visit CNN’s coverage.