plowunited.net –In a major shift from previous US foreign policy, the Trump administration partnered with Israel to launch airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. The surprise overnight assault targeted three sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, aiming to significantly delay Iran’s nuclear program. Seven B-2 stealth bombers flew 18 hours from the US to deliver 14 massive bunker buster bombs designed to penetrate deeply fortified underground facilities.
General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the operation, named Midnight Hammer, as successful but stopped short of confirming complete destruction. Satellite images revealed six fresh craters at Fordow, indicating the impact points of the bunker busters. Iran immediately denied severe damage, claiming much of its enriched uranium was relocated before the attack.
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Iran Threatens Retaliation Amid Rising Calls for Global Diplomacy
Following the strikes, Iran’s leadership signaled strong retaliation warnings. President Masoud Pezeshkian told France’s Emmanuel Macron that the US must expect a response to what Tehran called aggression. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek support and coordinate a response.
Iran’s parliament approved a law allowing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for 20% of global oil shipments. Experts warn such a blockade would disrupt global energy markets but might harm Iran’s regional standing by alienating Arab neighbors. Tehran also hinted it might target US bases in the region or disrupt maritime trade, escalating the conflict further.
Israel Advances Campaign to Destroy Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities
Israel continued its air campaign in Iran, conducting about 30 sorties on multiple military targets, including missile command centers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces were steadily moving toward eliminating Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats. He expressed confidence that the campaign was nearing completion.
After Iran launched around 20 ballistic missiles toward Israel, triggering nationwide sirens and causing injuries, Israel responded with strikes targeting missile launchers and troops in western Iran. Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision to join the campaign, calling it a historic partnership aimed at protecting Israel’s security.
US Officials Emphasize Limited Objectives and Warning Against Escalation
US Vice President JD Vance sought to calm fears within the Republican base by clarifying the US was not at war with Iran but rather targeting its nuclear program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that the strikes did not represent a regime change policy, though officials acknowledged the situation could evolve.
US Ambassador Dorothy Shear warned at the UN Security Council that any Iranian attack on Americans or US bases would trigger devastating retaliation. However, the administration urged Tehran to return to diplomacy to avoid a prolonged conflict. Despite Trump’s earlier claims of obliteration, US military leaders admitted the nuclear sites might still retain some capability.
Global Reactions Highlight Risks of Escalation and Call for Restraint
World leaders reacted with concern and calls for restraint after the strikes. Russia condemned the US action as opening a “Pandora’s box” of new conflicts. China and other nations criticized the attack for undermining global security. The UN Security Council convened urgently amid fears the confrontation could spiral into a broader Middle East war.
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei warned that any US military involvement would cause irreparable damage to America. Proxy groups in the region, like Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, also threatened to escalate violence. Meanwhile, international agencies reported no increase in radiation levels, suggesting limited immediate environmental impact from the strikes.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts continuing amid warnings of potential protracted warfare in the Middle East.
