Tensions in the Middle East have sharply increased as a result of the United States’ devastating airstrikes on three of Iran’s most important nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The New York Times reports that B-2 stealth bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs during the strikes, which started at 2:30 a.m. local time.
Trump Declares Mission “Highly Successful”
On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the mission was a “direct hit on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program.” All aircraft returned safely, he added, and he asserted that the time has come to “restore peace.”
Iran Vows Retaliation
The airstrikes have been strongly denounced by Iran. Senior Ansarullah political bureau official Hazem al-Asad issued a warning that Washington would suffer repercussions. The U.S. meddling could put the entire region in jeopardy, the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned sharply.
According to the BBC, Tehran has vowed retaliation, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Day 9 of the Israel-Iran War
The ongoing Israel-Iran war, which started on June 13 after Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets, entered its ninth day on the day of these U.S. strikes. Several senior commanders and nine Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed thus far.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar claimed that the attacks have set back Iran’s nuclear weapons program by 2–3 years.
Trump’s Broader Anti-Nuclear Strategy
The Trump administration’s broader strategy to thwart Iran’s nuclear aspirations includes the most recent U.S. action. Over the previous two months, Trump had tried to engage Tehran in diplomatic talks, but Iran had refused until Israeli airstrikes stopped, CNN reported.
Despite opposition from U.S. intelligence agencies, Trump has maintained that Iran could produce nuclear weapons “within weeks or months.”
IAEA Warns of Radiation Risks
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about potential radiological leaks from the Fordow site due to the bombing. While the agency noted that no immediate public threat exists, the risk remains serious given that Fordow was producing highly enriched uranium—a key component of nuclear weapons.
China and Russia Respond Cautiously
All eyes are now on China and Russia, Iran’s primary allies. While both nations have refrained from military involvement, Russia has voiced diplomatic support for Iran, and China has called for peace in the region.
Analysts believe these powers could become indirectly involved if the conflict escalates, increasing the threat of a global war.
India Calls for Restraint
India has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and has urged all parties to exercise restraint. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that peace and stability in the Middle East are crucial for India.
Oil Prices Surge, Markets Rattle
Following the attacks, oil prices have spiked, and global financial markets have turned volatile. As per The New York Times, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are maintaining a neutral stance, though threats to U.S. military bases in the region remain.
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