Tensions Soar After US Hits Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
The world was on edge Sunday after the United States launched missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, pulling itself deeper into Israel’s war and sparking urgent questions about the future of Tehran’s nuclear program and how Iran’s military might hit back.
Experts warned that efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons peacefully could collapse, and fears of a larger regional conflict grew. Oil prices climbed and financial markets reacted nervously.
Iran slammed the U.S. for crossing “a very big red line” by hitting three nuclear sites with missiles and powerful bunker-buster bombs.
At an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, Iran’s U.N. ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the U.S. “decided to destroy diplomacy” and warned that Iran’s military would decide the “timing, nature and scale” of a “proportionate response.” Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew to Moscow to coordinate with Russia.
Iran Threatens Response, Warns Allies
Thousands of American troops are stationed across the Middle East. Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said any country helping the U.S. strike Iran “will be a legitimate target for our armed forces,” according to the IRNA news agency.
At first, the Trump administration signaled it wanted new diplomatic talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS, “Let’s meet directly.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. “does not seek war.”
But President Donald Trump, who warned of more strikes if Iran hits back, later hinted at possible “regime change” in Iran.
Major Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the U.S. targeted the Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities and the Isfahan nuclear site. Both Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog said there were no signs of radioactive leaks so far.
On his Truth Social account, Trump said Iran’s sites suffered “monumental damage” and added, “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”
Previously, Trump claimed the sites were “completely and fully obliterated,” but the Pentagon described “sustained, extremely severe damage and destruction.” Israel’s military spokesman Effie Defrin said, “the damage is deep,” and the final assessment was underway with the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We are very close to achieving our goals” in stopping Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.
IAEA Calls for Inspection, Satellite Images Show Craters
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told the Security Council that inspectors should be allowed to check the underground sites. He warned that if diplomacy fails, “violence and destruction could reach unthinkable levels,” and efforts to stop nuclear weapons “could crumble.”
Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press showed at least one crater at Natanz and damage at other sites after the strikes. Iran has not confirmed how much damage was done but claimed nuclear material was removed beforehand.
What’s Next for Iran’s Nuclear Program?
Experts said it remains unclear where Iran’s uranium stockpile and centrifuges are now. Darya Dolzikova, a nonproliferation expert, said, “Questions remain as to where Iran may be storing its already enriched stocks … as these will have almost certainly been moved to hardened and undisclosed locations, out of the way of potential Israeli or U.S. strikes.”
Iran insists its program is peaceful, but Trump and Israeli leaders say it could quickly build a bomb.
World Leaders Call for Restraint
Global leaders reacted with concern. Egypt warned of “grave repercussions,” while Bahrain urged Iran and the U.S. to “quickly resume talks.” The U.S. State Department told Americans worldwide to “exercise increased caution.”
Israel and Iran Continue to Trade Blows
Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Amir, called the strikes a key “turning point” but said more targets remained. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired 40 missiles at Israel in response, injuring over 80 people.
Israel struck back, hitting military sites in Tehran and western Iran, missile launchers in Bushehr, Isfahan, and Ahvaz, and a missile production site in Shahroud.
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