Tehran has vowed a "proportionate response" after the United States carried out airstrikes on three of its key nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan — early Sunday, June 22, 2025. These strikes, executed with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, represent a significant escalation in the already volatile Middle East conflict, pushing the region further toward a potentially uncontrollable war.

Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Sunday night that “Iran had repeatedly warned the warmongering U.S. regime to refrain from stumbling into this quagmire.” The session was convened after news broke of the American strikes, which followed Israel’s intensifying campaign against Iranian infrastructure.

“The United States has crossed a very big red line. The time for diplomacy has ended. Iran reserves the right to respond,” Iravani said.

Iran: 'Diplomacy is Dead'

In Tehran, government spokespersons said the U.S. had “destroyed diplomacy” by aligning militarily with Israel and launching what they labeled an act of unprovoked aggression. Iranian officials said their response would be carefully calibrated but firm — “The military will decide the timing, nature, and scale of Iran’s proportionate response.”

These developments have triggered widespread anxiety in the region and globally, with analysts warning that this could be the start of a wider regional conflagration. The conflict has already been simmering for over 20 months, with multiple flashpoints including attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea.

U.S. Confirms Operation, Claims Success

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation and social media, confirmed that U.S. forces struck three key nuclear facilities and “obliterated Fordow with a full payload.” He added that “all aircraft are safely out of Iranian airspace.”

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a press conference that the U.S. does not seek a war with Iran. “This was a limited operation. We do not want escalation, and we hope Iran comes back to the table.”

Despite these assurances, Washington’s move to join Israel’s direct military offensive has changed the equation dramatically. The message, while cloaked in language of restraint, indicates a shift in American policy from containment to active engagement.

Fallout and Fears of Escalation

Experts warn that Iran could retaliate by targeting U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, or the Gulf, or potentially mobilize proxies like Hezbollah or militias in Yemen. More significantly, there is mounting speculation that Tehran may attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes daily.

Such a move would have catastrophic economic consequences and would likely provoke a wider military response from NATO allies and Gulf nations. As of now, Iran’s Parliament is said to be deliberating on such a measure, though no official order has been announced.

Struck Nuclear Sites: What We Know

The U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s core uranium enrichment hubs:

• Fordow: A heavily fortified facility dug into a mountain, designed for high-grade uranium enrichment.

• Natanz: Iran's primary centrifuge center, previously the focus of multiple sabotage attempts.

• Esfahan: Known for its uranium conversion capabilities and linked to weaponization phases.

The Pentagon confirmed that 30,000-pound bombs — some of the most powerful non-nuclear munitions — were used to “permanently disable underground structures.”

Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Damaged, But Not Destroyed?

Military analysts say it’s unclear how much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, given the deep underground design of facilities like Fordow. Satellite imagery and independent inspections are still pending.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders have warned that any escalation could completely collapse the monitoring regime, leading Iran to pull out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

UN and Global Reactions

While the UN Security Council heard passionate arguments from both Iran and the United States, there was no immediate resolution or joint statement. European powers urged restraint, and China and Russia blamed Washington for "destabilizing the region."

Global stock markets and energy prices have already reacted sharply, with Brent crude and WTI jumping more than 3% on opening Monday, amid fears of oil supply disruption and a potential closure of Gulf shipping lanes.

Conclusion: Middle East on a Knife's Edge

The latest developments mark a turning point in the Middle East’s worst military crisis in decades. With diplomacy in tatters and Iran vowing revenge, the possibility of a broader regional war looms large.

As both Israel and the U.S. harden their military postures, and with Iran signaling intent to retaliate, the coming days may be decisive in shaping the future of the region — and potentially, global security.

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