Fact Check: "US strikes on Iran were the first large-scale military action in years."
What We Know
The claim that the recent U.S. strikes on Iran represent the first large-scale military action in years is misleading. The U.S. military conducted strikes against three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—on June 21, 2025, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, particularly in the context of U.S.-Israeli relations regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions (NPR, Reuters). However, this is not the first instance of U.S. military action in the region in recent years. The U.S. has been involved in various military operations and airstrikes in the Middle East, including actions against Iranian proxies and other military engagements in Iraq and Syria (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The assertion that these strikes are the first large-scale military action in years fails to account for the broader context of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. While the June 2025 strikes are significant and involve direct military engagement against Iranian nuclear facilities, the U.S. has conducted numerous operations in the region over the past several years, including airstrikes against ISIS and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria (Wikipedia).
Moreover, the characterization of these strikes as "large-scale" is subjective. The Pentagon described the strikes as focused and powerful, but they were part of a specific military strategy rather than a broad campaign akin to previous conflicts in the region, such as the Iraq War (Reuters). The credibility of the sources reporting on this military action varies; while major news outlets like NPR and Reuters provide factual reporting, they also reflect the political narratives of the current administration, which may influence the framing of the events (NPR, Reuters).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that the U.S. strikes on Iran were the first large-scale military action in years is false. While the strikes represent a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement regarding Iran's nuclear program, they are not the first military actions taken by the U.S. in the region in recent years. The U.S. has been actively engaged in military operations in the Middle East, and therefore, this characterization is misleading.
Sources
- U.S. strikes 3 nuclear sites in Iran
- US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change, Pentagon chief says
- American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites - Wikipedia
- World reacts to U.S. strikes on Iran with alarm, caution
- Live Updates: Trump Claims Success After U.S. Bombs ...
- Live Updates: U.S. Officials to Share Details of Strikes on Iran ...
- Trump says key Iranian nuclear facilities 'totally obliterated'
