On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed the United States after coordinated US airstrikes destroyed three of Iran’s nuclear facilities- Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, according to Al Jazeera.
Flanked by his top defense and diplomatic officials, Trump declared the mission a “spectacular military success” and warned Iran that there is “no middle ground”: make peace or face faster, fiercer future attacks.
US obliterated Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites
Trump called the strike a “precision success” and thanked Israel for the coordination
Threatened more attacks if Iran does not “make peace”
Warned of quicker future strikes with remaining targets in sight
General Caine and Secretary Hegseth to brief Pentagon on next steps
No middle ground was the message beneath the missile fire. For Trump, deterrence isn’t about warning but wiping out choices. Peace, in his framing, must be earned by submission. When have you felt pushed to choose because there was no middle ground?
Source: Al Jazeera, Reuters