US Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
The US launches airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in a dangerous escalation of hostilities between the two nations. President Donald Trump approved the comprehensive military operation early Sunday morning, targeting key enrichment sites in Iran. The assault, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, marks a watershed moment in U.S.–Iran relations and has the potential to ignite a regional war, destabilize global oil markets, and reshape diplomatic dynamics throughout the Middle East.
The attack, conducted in partnership with Israel, comes just days after the intelligence establishment reported Iran was on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon. The U.S. conducted precision attacks on key Iranian sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—three of the centers identified as belonging to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.
“We picked up the bomb right out of Iran’s hands,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “If Iran’s current regime doesn’t MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why not a regime change?”
Inside Operation Midnight Hammer
The Pentagon stated that the attack involved over 125 U.S. aircraft, which included B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, F-22 Raptors, drones that are air-to-ground drones, and support aircraft. The attack began early on Sunday and launched 14 bunker-busting bombs, which could each enter thickly armored concrete facilities deep beneath the ground.
These weapons targeted:
- Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant: An underground site protected by layers of concrete and mountain rock.
- Natanz Facility: The core of Iran’s centrifuge operations.
- Isfahan Uranium Conversion Center: Where uranium gas is converted before enrichment.
While the U.S. claims the strikes were “surgically precise,” Iranian media reports no lasting damage was inflicted on its enrichment equipment. Independent satellite images, however, show what seems to be destruction of parts of the Natanz facility, testifying at least to partial success.
Trump’s Words Spark Global Alarm
While military officials insisted the operation was solely intended to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions, President Trump’s language hinted at something far broader.
“It’s not politically correct to talk about regime change—but if that’s what it takes, we’ll do it,” Trump wrote online.
These remarks alarmed foreign leaders, who fear that such rhetoric may signal a deeper, long-term conflict. In contrast, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated:
“This is not about changing governments. It’s about protecting America and our allies from a nuclear threat.”
Still, the inconsistency in messaging from the White House and Pentagon has confused diplomats and stoked fears in markets across the globe.
Iran Threatens Severe Response: “This War Will End on Our Terms”
In Tehran, the reaction was swift and indignant. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council convened in an emergency meeting. In a statement, they called the U.S. airstrikes “unprovoked aggression” and threatened “everlasting consequences.”
Iranian military official Ebrahim Zolfaqari, reading a televised statement in English, stated:
“Mr. Trump, the gambler—you may start this war, but we will end it.”
He also added that Iran’s target list is now joined by the U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, and threatened cyber-attacks and proxy attacks through its regional proxies such as Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraq and Syria militias.
Strait of Hormuz in Crosshairs: Global Oil at Risk
Iran’s government voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic and congested waterway by which nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and 33% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass. The strait has only 33 km in width at its narrowest point, with only 3 km lanes in either direction for oil tankers.
If Iran executes this threat, it would instantly choke off key oil exports from:
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- The UAE
- Qatar (for LNG)
Energy experts have warned of an international oil crisis if the closure occurs, with prices rising above $120 a barrel. Brent crude was already at its highest at $81 by Monday, and traders are bracing for added volatility.
Drone Tensions: Iran Downs Israeli UAV
Inciting further flames, Iranian defenses shot down an Israeli Hermes drone in Iranian airspace west of Khorramabad. Israel admitted the loss but claimed there was “no intelligence compromise.” The drone, it was reported, had been on a reconnaissance mission preparatory to future attacks.
The event brings home the regional nature of the conflict, in which Israel, the U.S., and Iran are already engaged in a covert war using drones, cyber attacks, and proxy militias.
Diplomatic Fallout: Can Peace Still Be Saved?
Iran’s foreign ministry stated that the U.S. had “crossed a red line,” shutting the door on the possible reopening of nuclear talks. The 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), already teetering on life support, now seems beyond repair.
China, which has close energy ties with Iran, urged restraint. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any further aggression would further destabilize the region and proposed an emergency UN Security Council session.
The European Union, firmly on the sidelines, has condemned the air strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire. Diplomatic attempts, however, appear increasingly hopeless as hard-liners gain control in Washington and Tehran.
Economic Shockwaves and Security Warnings
The Pentagon has stepped up protection of U.S. bases in the Middle East, and Homeland Security issued an advisory cautioning against potential cyberattacks and retaliatory terrorism within the United States. Major U.S. cities and infrastructure operators were cautioned to increase vigilance.
Meanwhile, financial markets are on edge:
- Global stocks dipped.
- Oil prices spiked.
- Gold and Bitcoin surged as safe-haven assets.
Historical Context: A Decade in the Making
This conflict has deep roots. Ever since the U.S. exited the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2018, tensions have simmered. Iran resumed enrichment, and the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 further inflamed relations. Now, in 2025, the situation has come full circle—once again confronting the world with the threat of a U.S.–Iran war.
What Comes Next?
The coming days will be decisive in determining the direction of this war. Iran may initiate a military attack, potentially leading to greater regional warfare. The United States, on its part, can escalate its intervention, thus raising the specter of more protracted conflict. Meanwhile, the threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz remains high, risking igniting global oil supplies and triggering economic ruination. Experts warn that absent restraints by both sides, the war can become a full-scale war in a period of very short period.
Key scenarios to watch:
- Iran’s response to the strikes and Trump’s regime-change rhetoric.
- U.S. defense posture in the Gulf and potential second strikes.
- Diplomatic moves by China, Russia, and the UN.
- Oil price trends and market shocks.
- Proxy retaliation through Hezbollah, Houthis, or Iraqi militias.
Final Thoughts
With nuclear diplomacy shattered, military tensions at a boiling point, and energy security on a thread, the U.S.–Iran war has the potential to transform the Middle East and global geopolitics. What began as a precision strike may just escalate into a full-fledged regional war, with disastrous implications for the world economy and global stability.
Stay tuned for more developments as the crisis unfolds.
Sources for Further Reading
- The Independent – U.S. Strikes on Iran
- BBC – Global Reactions to U.S. Strikes
- CNBC – Strait of Hormuz Impact
- Reuters – U.S.–Iran Timeline
- Times of Israel – Hermes Drone Downed
Also read: Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Facilities and Kills Top Generals