After the United States launched a significant military operation aimed at Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, the Middle East is on edge. According to reports, the strikes rocked the region by destroying important installations at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Iran’s Fiery Response: “Strike Back Without Hesitation”
Iran’s leadership has issued a strong warning in reaction to the bombings. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s close adviser and editor of the hardline Iranian newspaper Kayhan, Hossein Shariatmadari, has called for swift retaliation.
According to a message posted on Kayhan’s Telegram channel, Shariatmadari declared:
“Without hesitation or delay, we must launch missile strikes on the U.S. naval base in Bahrain and close the Strait of Hormuz to all U.S., British, German, and French shipping.”
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
One of the most important oil chokepoints in the world is the Strait of Hormuz. This small waterway transports about 20% of the world’s petroleum. Any disruption could cause a dramatic spike in oil prices and provoke a global energy crisis.
| Strait of Hormuz Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Width | 21 nautical miles (38 km) |
| Daily Oil Flow | 18.5 million barrels (approx.) |
| Key Stakeholders | Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, U.S. |
| Risk Factor After Strike | Extremely High |
U.S. Strategy: Avoiding Full-Scale War
Despite the scale of the operation, the U.S. appears to be exercising strategic restraint. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin told news agency ANI that America is not aiming to topple Iran’s government.
“The U.S. does not want a full-blown war,” Rubin said. “European nations, the UN, and even Trump himself may try to offer Iran a way to de-escalate.”
Not Regime Change, But Pressure
Rubin underlined that the United States wants to pressure Iran into talks, not overthrow Ayatollah Khamenei. “America would prefer a transition of power, not a power vacuum,” he added.
Rubin, meanwhile, thinks Israel might be up to something else. In contrast to Washington, Tel Aviv may try to overthrow the current regime in Tehran and would probably want Khamenei ousted.
Houthi Rebels Join the Fray
Adding more volatility to the mix, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have vowed retaliation. Senior Houthi official Hezam Al-Asad posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Donald Trump must face consequences for the attack on Iranian nuclear sites.”
The Houthi-controlled military has also issued a statement saying it is prepared to target U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea—raising the risk of a wider regional conflict.
What Happens Next?
Military analysts believe we are at a dangerous crossroads. If Iran chooses to retaliate, the U.S. has warned of a powerful counterstrike. Yet, if diplomacy prevails, both sides could avert a catastrophic war.
| Scenario | Likelihood | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Iran retaliates militarily | High | Regional war risk increases |
| Iran seeks talks | Moderate | Temporary de-escalation |
| Strait of Hormuz closes | High | Global oil crisis |
| Israel acts independently | Unknown | Could spark wider conflict |
Read More: Trump Launches Surprise Attack on Iran — Did He Break the Law?
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