In a significant military action just days prior to Trump's ceasefire announcement on June 24, the U.S. launched extensive airstrikes against Iran's three primary nuclear sites: the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Center, on June 21. CIA Director John Ratcliffe reported substantial destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, indicating that reconstruction could take years. This operation marks a pivotal escalation, being the first instance of the U.S. directly targeting and dismantling another country's nuclear capabilities. Although Trump hailed the strikes as successful, Iran's newly appointed supreme leader and the IRGC remain active, and Iran still possesses approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium. The aftermath of these strikes raises new questions for the IAEA and the landscape of international nuclear regulation.
