Iran threatens the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites
Iran has issued a clear threat of retaliation against the United States following unprecedented airstrikes that, according to Washington, have destroyed the Iranian nuclear program. A senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that the U.S. "no longer has a place" in the Middle East and should expect "irreparable consequences."
Ali Akbar Velayati warned that bases used by U.S. forces to conduct attacks on Iranian nuclear sites would be considered "legitimate targets."
In response to the surprise attack carried out overnight Saturday to Sunday using B-2 strategic bombers, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, President Donald Trump urged Tehran to end the conflict.
Washington claims that the strikes, which hit a subterranean uranium enrichment facility in Fordo, as well as installations in Isfahan and Natanz, were a success. Trump described the damage to Iran's nuclear sites as "monumental" on his Truth Social platform.
While the U.S. President did not explicitly call for regime change in Tehran, he hinted at the idea, questioning why there shouldn’t be regime change if the current Iranian government cannot restore Iran’s greatness. Earlier, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the U.S. had "devastated the Iranian nuclear program," although another advisor to the Supreme Leader stated that Iran still possesses stocks of enriched uranium.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced an "emergency meeting" on Monday following the U.S. strikes, stating that it is currently impossible to assess the extent of the damage.
In Fordo, a uranium enrichment facility buried under a mountain south of Tehran, satellite imagery analysis revealed changes to the terrain following the strikes.
A 46-year-old Iranian housewife named Samireh expressed shock over the U.S. strikes, stating that while Semnan province is far from the targeted nuclear facilities, she is deeply concerned for those living near them.
In Tehran, protesters shouted "revenge" against the U.S., as images broadcasted by state television showed the growing unrest. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian promised a "response" to the U.S. strikes, while Washington urged its citizens worldwide to be "vigilant" regarding potential protests against American citizens and interests abroad.
At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against a "vicious cycle of retaliation," calling the U.S. strikes a "dangerous turning point."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country is "very close" to achieving its war objectives against Iran, amidst ongoing military operations. The Israeli army announced strikes on missile sites and other military infrastructure in western Iran, marking the tenth day of conflict. Reports indicate that at least three people were killed in central Iran after an Israeli drone strike hit an ambulance.
Before Israel's massive offensive beginning on June 13, negotiations between Tehran and Washington were underway, mediated by Oman, regarding a nuclear agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the U.S. is "ready to discuss" with Iran about its civilian nuclear program, though Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the U.S. and Israel have crossed a major red line.
The surprise American attack, dubbed "Midnight Hammer," involved seven stealth B-2 bombers and utilized powerful GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs capable of penetrating deep underground before detonating. Israel commenced an unprecedented offensive against Iran to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons, targeting hundreds of military and nuclear-related sites.
Iran's military response has included drone and ballistic missile strikes, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. The conflict has resulted in over 400 Iranian casualties and 3,056 injuries, primarily among civilians, according to official reports. In contrast, Iranian strikes on Israel have resulted in 24 fatalities, according to Israeli authorities.
