In a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, Iran has confirmed that U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on several of its nuclear facilities.
Tehran has responded by shutting down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and issued a stern warning that Washington will face retaliation.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the onset of a new phase of conflict, asserting that all American military and civilian assets across the region are now within their crosshairs.
The group further warned that European naval forces would be unable to reach their home shores if they intervened, effectively placing the entire region on high alert.
Khamenei: U.S. Will Pay the Heavier Price
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the strikes as an act of deception disguised as diplomacy, stating that the U.S. had triggered a confrontation that would ultimately harm itself more than Iran.
Key Nuclear Installations Targeted in U.S. Operation
Iranian officials confirmed that the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities were hit in the coordinated assault. B-2 bombers reportedly dropped over 30 tons of explosives on the Fordow site, inflicting heavy damage. Simultaneously, U.S. submarines launched around 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from international waters, targeting other strategic locations.
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Trump Hails Operation as Historic
Former U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the military action, calling it a “historic milestone” in safeguarding global security.
He congratulated American forces and said the operation enhanced Israeli security while expressing hope that Iran would now reconsider its stance and return to the negotiating table.
Coordination with Israel Confirmed, No Further Strikes for Now
According to U.S. media, President Trump consulted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before and after the operation. The two leaders reportedly agreed not to pursue additional strikes at this stage. Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership and described the mission as a shared success.
In his own message, Netanyahu commended Trump’s decision, stating that it had reshaped the course of history and demonstrated unmatched American military capability.
Iran Appeals to United Nations Over Sovereignty Breach
Reacting swiftly to the strikes, Iran called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, condemning the operation as a blatant violation of its sovereignty. Tehran urged international bodies to hold the responsible parties accountable under the UN Charter.
Iran Claims Nuclear Sites Were Cleared Before Attack
Iranian authorities asserted that the nuclear sites had been evacuated prior to the assault, ensuring that no radioactive material was present. Fordow sustained structural tunnel damage, while similar long-range strikes affected Natanz and Isfahan.
No Radiation Detected, Say IAEA and Regional Monitors
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels remained stable in and around the targeted areas. Saudi Arabia’s nuclear regulatory authority and other Gulf states also reported no signs of radioactive fallout.
Iranian officials reassured residents near the Fordow facility, especially in Qom, that there was no threat to public safety. A local lawmaker said emergency inspections found no contamination. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reaffirmed its intent to continue peaceful nuclear development in honor of its scientists who died for the cause.
UN Secretary-General Urges De-escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern over the military escalation, warning it could spiral into a wider regional conflict. He urged all parties to return to diplomacy, saying, “There is no solution through war, nly through peace.”
Regional Allies Respond: Houthis and Hamas React
The Yemeni Houthi movement declared the U.S. strikes as the official beginning of a regional war. Senior member Mohammad Al-Faraj accused President Trump of igniting the flames of war rather than extinguishing them.
Meanwhile, Hamas condemned the U.S. action as a “savage assault” on a sovereign nation, warning that it could further destabilize the already volatile region and breach international legal norms.
