Newly released photos from inside the White House Situation Room show former President Donald Trump just moments before the United States launched a major military operation against Iran, targeting three of the country’s key nuclear facilities.
Trump, who made the announcement last night, confirmed that U.S. forces had carried out strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites. He called the mission a “spectacular military success,” declaring:
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace — if they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
The operation came as tensions reached a boiling point following escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel. After Israel launched a large-scale assault on Iranian nuclear targets on June 13, both nations have since exchanged multiple retaliatory strikes.
In response, U.S. stealth bombers were seen deploying from bases in the U.S., en route to a location approximately 3,000 miles from Iran — a clear sign of coordinated military positioning ahead of the operation.
Amid global concerns over Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons, Trump took a more confrontational tone, publicly issuing a warning to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. World leaders are now closely monitoring the aftermath of the strikes, as fears of a broader regional conflict grow.
Donald Trump announced the bombing of Iran (Twitter/Whitehouse)
Posting on Truth Social last week, he wrote: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.
“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
While Iran retaliated by brushing off his comments and issuing its own threats, America’s involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict escalated after it launched a surprise bombing attack on Iran last night.
Now, the White House has released images from within The Situation Room (a room where serious strategic planning is carried out) moments before the air strikes.
In the images, Trump can be seen donning his ‘Make America Great Again’ red cap, with Vice President JD Vance sitting beside him.
The pictures were captioned: “President Donald J. Trump in The Situation Room, June 21, 2025.”
Trump’s administration was seen talking in The Situation Room at the White House (Twitter/Whitehouse)
What else has Trump said about the US air strikes on Iran?
Trump proudly announced to Truth Social that the US had successfully completed the bombing in Iran, writing: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
“All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordo.
“All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Iran has now responded to the air strikes (Twitter/Whitehouse)
How has Iran responded to the US air strikes?
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi labelled the US attack as ‘outrageous, extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour’.
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” he posted on Twitter.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences.
“Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”
