Fact Check: Trump Declares Iran's Nuclear Facilities 'Completely and Totally Obliterated'
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had conducted military strikes against three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In his address to the nation, Trump stated, "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated" (NPR, CBS News). The strikes were characterized as a significant military success aimed at halting Iran's nuclear ambitions, which the U.S. has long viewed as a threat (Axios).
The military operation involved the use of advanced munitions, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, specifically designed to penetrate fortified structures like the Fordow facility, which is located deep underground (NPR, CBS News). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's claims, stating that the Iranian nuclear program had been "devastated" by the strikes (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that Trump declared Iran's nuclear facilities "completely and totally obliterated" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Trump's statement was made during a nationally televised address, which adds a layer of reliability due to the formal nature of the communication. Both NPR and CBS News reported on this declaration, confirming the context and content of his remarks (NPR, CBS News).
However, it is essential to consider the potential for exaggeration in political rhetoric, especially in the context of military actions. While the strikes were described as successful, the long-term impact on Iran's nuclear capabilities remains uncertain. Critics, including some Democratic leaders, have raised concerns about the legality and effectiveness of the strikes, suggesting that the situation may not be as clear-cut as the President portrayed (NPR).
Additionally, the reliability of the sources reporting on these events is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of covering international affairs. However, the framing of the events can vary based on the outlet's editorial stance, which could influence the interpretation of Trump's statements and the outcomes of the military actions.
Conclusion
The claim that President Trump declared Iran's nuclear facilities "completely and totally obliterated" is True. This assertion is directly supported by Trump's own statements during a national address and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. While the effectiveness of the strikes and their implications for U.S.-Iran relations remain topics of debate, the specific wording used by Trump is accurately reported.
