Israel is celebrating the attack President Trump ordered on three key Iranian nuclear facilities in the early hours this morning (Sunday).
We say, first, Thank God! In many places special prayers of thanksgiving have been recited.
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And then we voice heartfelt gratitude to President Trump, who had the wisdom and foresight to take this action.
Facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow were hit repeatedly, with Fordow – buried beneath rock deep underground – constituting the primary target. This was the largest-ever Spirit stealth B-2 bomber strike.
America’s largest bunker busters – Massive Ordnance Penetrators – were utilized on the Fordow site and at Natanz; 14 MOP were dropped in all.
Operation Midnight Hammer: The US attack on Iran step-by-step:
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/410462
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There is much to be noted with regard to the president’s action. There were no leaks prior to the attack and a great deal of obfuscation that served to guard the surprise; cooperation between the US and Israel was extraordinary. Trump resisted the pressure of the isolationists within his administration.
He got it: he understood the dangers and what had to be done. And I am pleased that he documented the past behavior of Iran and the dangers of letting it stand with its nuclear facilities. This was not done for Israel – this point must be made clearly. He did it because Iran was a danger to the US and the world. It is unfortunate that even now there are many who do not understand this.
This is indeed an historic moment.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/22/what-we-know-about-the-historic-us-iran-strike/
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Following the attack, Trump made an official announcement from the White House:
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
Now says Trump, Iran must make peace, or there will be further attacks – which will be a lot easier. “Remember, there are many targets left…If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
There is no intention stated by Trump or other US officials regarding regime change. The attack was on nuclear facilities.
See video:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/21/trump-us-nuclear-strikes-iran
To the left above is Vice President JD Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the right.
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Secretary Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine subsequently held a press conference. Hegseth said the operation was bold and brilliant. He also advised Iran to take heed of Trump’s threats to respond forcefully if it attempts to retaliate: If it does, Iran will be “met with a force much greater than what was witnessed tonight.”
https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Videos/videoid/967677/
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It is doubtful that Trump would have acted now, had Bibi not led the way with courage and determination. Reports indicate that the fact that Israel was winning made it easier for Trump.
And so, great gratitude is extended to our prime minister. Blessings upon him.
Netanyahu also delivered a message in which he praised Trump for the astounding actions he took.
He explained that he and Trump and often say, “Peace comes through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace…And tonight President Trump and the United States acted with a LOT of strength…The forces of civilization thank you.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/netanyahu-praises-trump-s-strikes-on-iran-242041925620
After making his statement, Netanyahu visited the Kotel, where he declared: “The nation has risen like a lion…We will continue to perform wonders and miracles to ensure the eternity of Israel…I am proud of our people.”
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Of course, the story is not over. I am eager to get this out and to follow with extensive analysis and reportage in days ahead.
Much now depends on how Iran responds. The leaders of Iran do not appear to have either the words “peace” or “surrender” in their operating lexicon. They are responding with belligerence and threats and will undoubtedly regret some of the decisions they appear about to make. Hegseth says that the US strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions and it’s time to negotiate, but Iran is not listening.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed that retaliation against the US would be “Tehran’s worst-ever mistake.”
We had thought here in Israel that missiles might rain down on us for most of the day. There was a barrage of some 30 or so missiles at about 7:30 this morning, but it has been quiet since. The fact that we have already taken out about 50% of Iran’s launchers likely has something to do with this, I would imagine.
While the US focus is eliminating Iran’s nuclear capacity, Israel is also concerned with Iranian ballistic missiles which can be directed towards us, and with Iranian support for its proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. It seems clear that the situation re: Hamas in Gaza will shift, given the current situation.
And then there is the question of whether the regime may fall. It is, it turns out, a very complicated question.
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The prayer for the State of Israel, done by Shai Abramson, when he was Chief Cantor of the IDF. This is years old, but so appropriate today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5–mNIZhU
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I ask for prayers for Israel’s success in our war with Iran. Pray for the wisdom and courage of our leaders and for the leaders of the US.
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©Arlene Kushner. This material is produced by independent journalist Arlene Kushner. Permission is granted for it to be reproduced only with proper attribution.
