The United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites around 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. This was the first confirmed instance of direct American military involvement in the Israel-Iran war.

The strikes followed the rising tension between Israel and Iran, after Israeli forces launched attacks on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. That assault resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military leaders, including Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s chief of staff, and Gen. Gholamali Rashid.

Today’s U.S. operation targeted Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites, defense officials confirmed. The strike involved B-2 stealth bombers deployed from undisclosed locations. 

The U.S. action arose after nuclear negotiations between President Donald Trump’s administration and Iranian officials had stalled over demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment. In contrast, Iranian leaders accused the United States of bad-faith diplomacy and interference.

President Trump is expected to address the nation at 10 p.m. EST from the White House.