On June 22, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that the US attacks Iran Nuclear Sites with B2 Bomber —Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using B-2 stealth bombers equipped with Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), commonly known as “bunker-buster” bombs.
In a White House address, Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” claiming that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” This unprecedented US military intervention marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which began on June 13, 2025, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure.
The announcement has reverberated globally, with profound implications for geopolitics, energy markets, and India’s strategic and economic interests.
This analysis, tailored for UPSC aspirants, examines the context, implications, and India’s response to this development, addressing its relevance to international relations, energy security, and India’s foreign policy.
US attacks War Between Israel and Iran
The US attacks on Iran nuclear sites with b2 bomber signal a shift from its initial reluctance to directly engage in the Israel-Iran conflict. Israel’s campaign, launched to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, had already weakened Iranian air defenses and missile capabilities.
However, only the US possesses the B-2 stealth bombers and 30,000-pound GBU-57 MOPs capable of penetrating Iran’s deeply buried Fordow facility, located approximately 80-90 meters underground. Trump’s decision to join Israel’s efforts followed failed diplomatic negotiations, with Iran rejecting calls to abandon its nuclear program.
His warning—“Iran must end this war or face more precision strikes”—underscores a strategy combining military action with coercive diplomacy, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
US Attacks Iran Nuclear sites : Which Nuclear Sites Were Hit and Were B-2 Bombers Used?
Read more about B-2 Stealth Bombers : B-2 Stealth Bombers: What They Are and Why the US Targeted Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
The targeted sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—are central to Iran’s nuclear program:
- Fordow: A heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility built into a mountainside near Qom, capable of enriching uranium to 60%, close to the 90% required for nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported 2,700 centrifuges at Fordow, raising concerns about its potential military use.
- Natanz: Iran’s largest uranium enrichment facility, located 250 km south of Tehran, previously targeted by Israeli strikes causing localized contamination.
- Isfahan: Home to Iran’s largest nuclear research complex, employing 3,000 scientists and hosting research reactors and fuel production facilities.
Trump confirmed the use of B-2 bombers, with six MOPs dropped on Fordow and 30 Tomahawk missiles targeting other sites. Iranian officials acknowledged the attack on Fordow but claimed no radioactive materials were present, minimizing environmental risks.
The IAEA noted that previous strikes on Natanz caused no widespread contamination, but concerns remain about potential uranium release at Fordow.
S attacks Iran Nuclear Sites with B2 Boomber : Risks for Trump
The strikes carry significant risks:
- Geopolitical Escalation: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “irreparable damage” and a potential “all-out war” in response to US intervention. Iran’s history of asymmetric warfare, including through proxies like Hezbollah, raises the risk of retaliatory attacks on US bases in the region, where 40,000 US troops are stationed.
- Domestic Backlash: Some US lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), criticized the strikes as unconstitutional, arguing that Trump lacked Congressional approval. This could fuel political division, especially among Trump’s “America First” base, which opposes Middle East entanglements.
- Global Repercussions: The United Nations and leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin have warned of escalating regional instability. Iran’s potential to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, poses a threat to energy markets.
Diplomatic Reset
India has responded cautiously, leveraging its historical ties with Iran and its strategic partnership with the US to advocate for de-escalation. New Delhi has offered to host multilateral talks involving key stakeholders, including the US, Israel, Iran, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia.
This aligns with India’s non-aligned foreign policy and its role as a mediator in global conflicts. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized dialogue to prevent further escalation, drawing on India’s experience in navigating complex regional dynamics, such as during the 1991 Gulf War.
Economic & Energy Safeguards
The strikes triggered an 8-9% surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude approaching $150 per barrel, directly impacting India, which imports over 80% of its oil, including from Iran via the Chabahar port. To mitigate the economic fallout:
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): India is releasing 10 million barrels from its SPR in Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, and Padur to stabilize domestic fuel prices.
- LNG and Renewables: The government is fast-tracking approvals for new LNG terminals in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and increasing solar panel imports from China to diversify energy sources.
- Bilateral Agreements: India is negotiating with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to secure additional oil supplies, reducing dependence on Iranian oil.
These measures aim to cushion Indian households, like those in Mumbai, where rising fuel and cooking gas prices have strained budgets.
Global Markets & Diplomacy
The strikes have heightened global economic uncertainty:
- Oil Markets: The threat of Iranian retaliation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, could push oil prices higher, exacerbating inflation in import-dependent economies like India.
- Equity Markets: Volatility in global stock markets has increased, with India’s Sensex and Nifty indices experiencing sharp declines due to fears of prolonged conflict.
- Diplomatic Tensions: The US action has strained relations with Russia and China, which support Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. This could complicate India’s role in forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
India’s Balancing Act
India faces a delicate balancing act:
- US-India Strategic Partnership: As a key US ally and Quad member, India supports non-proliferation but avoids endorsing unilateral military actions.
- Iran Relations: India’s investments in Chabahar port and historical ties with Iran necessitate careful diplomacy to maintain access to Iranian oil and regional influence.
- Mediation Role: By offering to host talks, India can enhance its geopolitical leverage, positioning itself as a neutral broker in a polarized region. However, missteps could disrupt oil supplies or strain ties with the US or Israel.
Trump’s Political Gamble
Trump’s decision to authorize the strikes, despite his campaign promises to avoid Middle East conflicts, reflects a high-stakes gamble:
- Domestic Support: While Republican leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Jim Risch praised the strikes, dissent from isolationist factions within the MAGA movement, including figures like Tucker Carlson, could erode Trump’s base.
- International Criticism: The strikes have drawn condemnation from Iran, Russia, and the UN, potentially isolating the US and complicating Trump’s foreign policy legacy.
- Regional Stability: If successful, the strikes could delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years. However, failure to secure a diplomatic resolution may entangle the US in a prolonged conflict, contradicting Trump’s anti-war stance.
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
This issue is critical for UPSC aspirants, particularly in the context of:
- International Relations: Understanding the dynamics of US-Iran-Israel relations, India’s non-aligned stance, and the role of global institutions like the IAEA and UN.
- Energy Security: Analyzing India’s dependence on imported oil, the impact of global price shocks, and strategies for energy diversification.
- Geopolitical Strategy: Evaluating India’s mediation role and its implications for regional stability and global standing.
- Ethics and Governance: Assessing the legality of unilateral military actions and their implications for international law and sovereignty.
Key Questions for UPSC Preparation
- How does the US attack on Iran nuclear sites affect India’s energy security and foreign policy?
- What are the strategic implications of India’s mediation offer in the Israel-Iran conflict?
- How can India balance its relations with the US, Iran, and Israel amidst escalating tensions?
- What lessons can India draw from past Middle East conflicts (e.g., Gulf War) to manage current challenges?
Conclusion
The US attacks on Iran nuclear sites, announced by President Trump on June 22, 2025, have thrust the world into a precarious geopolitical moment. For India, the immediate impact is felt in rising oil prices and strained household budgets, as seen in cities like Mumbai.
New Delhi’s proactive measures—releasing strategic oil reserves, diversifying energy sources, and offering to mediate—reflect a pragmatic approach to safeguarding economic stability and enhancing its global stature.
For UPSC aspirants, this event underscores the interplay of geopolitics, energy security, and diplomacy, offering a rich case study for understanding India’s role in a volatile world. As Trump’s gamble unfolds, India’s measured response could be pivotal in averting a regional crisis and ensuring long-term stability.