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.

The post Iran Warns US It Will Respond After Trump’s Nuclear Strikes appeared first on Plow United.

According to reports from The New York Times and NBC News, Iran made the decision to limit internet activity as a defense measure. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that the move was necessary to maintain network stability and protect critical systems “given the enemy’s cyber attacks.” Iran is reportedly cutting internet bandwidth by up to 80 percent as part of this effort.

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Widespread Internet Disruption Leaves Iranians Struggling to Stay Connected

The internet restrictions have caused major disruptions to everyday life in Iran. Many citizens are now unable to access messaging apps, websites, or even use mobile data services. Monitoring groups like Kentik and NetBlocks reported a sharp drop in Iran’s internet traffic around 5:30 PM ET on June 17. These disruptions began days earlier, affecting mobile networks in several regions.

VPNs, which many Iranians use to bypass restrictions and access foreign websites, are also being intermittently blocked. In addition to restricting access to WhatsApp, the government has urged citizens to delete the app entirely. Authorities claim it collects data for Israel, although WhatsApp has denied these accusations and expressed concern over its users being cut off during a time of crisis.

These internet blocks have caused serious problems for people trying to reach loved ones, get emergency updates, or find safe routes out of danger zones.

Government Urges Citizens to Use National Internet Services Instead

In place of global platforms, Iran is encouraging citizens to use its National Information Network (N.I.N.), a government-run alternative that hosts state-approved messaging and web services. These platforms remain active during shutdowns and offer messaging tools, but many citizens are wary of using them due to privacy concerns.

People fear that using N.I.N. platforms allows the government to monitor communications more closely. Despite official reassurances, there is little public trust in these alternatives. As popular tools like Google Maps stop working, people trying to flee conflict zones have found themselves without guidance, reportedly becoming lost or stranded.

The blackout is not only limiting communication but also hindering the delivery of crucial information, including warnings about incoming attacks or safe areas.

Iran Appears to Launch Cyberattacks on Israel in Retaliation

While Iran claims it is defending itself from Israeli cyber threats, there are signs it has also taken offensive actions. Cybersecurity firm Radware reported a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting Israel following an Israeli strike on Iran. These attacks, according to the firm, likely originated from Iranian state-backed hackers and affiliated pro-Iran groups.

Iran has a history of engaging in cyber operations. One notable incident involved hackers linked to Iran stealing U.S. voter data and using it to send threatening messages to Democratic voters. The recent activity fits this pattern and highlights the expanding cyber front in the Iran-Israel conflict.

Internet Limits Raise Concerns Over Safety, Privacy, and Censorship

While the Iranian government justifies the internet restrictions as a national security measure, critics argue the move risks public safety and suppresses basic freedoms. With internet access limited, people struggle to receive real-time alerts or contact emergency services. The disruption also makes it difficult to share reliable information during fast-moving crises.

In previous conflicts, digital tools played a crucial role in helping civilians find shelter, get news, and stay connected. This time, the blackout may be making the situation more dangerous for ordinary people.

At the same time, privacy concerns over government-controlled platforms raise alarms about increased surveillance and censorship. As tensions rise, Iran’s internet policies are drawing criticism from international rights organizations and citizens alike.

The post Iran Restricts Internet to Block Israel Cyberattacks appeared first on Plow United.