A Saudi Radiation Monitoring Commission report confirming no detectable radiation spike in the Gulf following alleged attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities has offered temporary reassurance, but ignited a firestorm after former U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to claim responsibility for the strikes. Trump asserted that American forces executed a “full payload of BOMBS” on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling the mission “very successful” and hailing U.S. military prowess. “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE,” Trump declared, sparking outrage and legal questions.
The Fordow site, built deep beneath Iran’s mountains, enriches uranium to 60% purity, well below weapons-grade levels but still of international concern. The absence of a reactor and strong containment measures mean even a direct strike would be unlikely to cause significant radioactive fallout. This was echoed by the Saudi report, which confirmed no deviations in radiation levels, lending support to Iran’s official position that only non-critical infrastructure was impacted.
Despite the lack of environmental evidence, Trump’s statement appears to confirm fears that the attack was not merely speculative. Critics immediately raised constitutional and geopolitical alarms. “Only Congress has the power to declare war,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) in a strongly worded statement condemning the strikes as “unconstitutional” and dangerous. Amo warned the unilateral action “risks dragging the U.S. into another endless war” while offering no guarantees of halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The situation remains murky as Iranian authorities continue to downplay the incident, while Western intelligence agencies have yet to independently verify the scope of the alleged strike. With Trump outside formal government power but claiming command over military operations, questions swirl over the legality and authenticity of the operation. Analysts stress that the absence of radiation does not preclude a surgical or cyber-based attack.
Global attention now turns to potential international fallout, diplomatic or otherwise. Key developments to watch include Iran’s uranium enrichment output, IAEA access to the affected sites, and satellite imagery of Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. As the dust settles, one fact is clear: whether bombs fell or not, the geopolitical temperature has risen sharply.
