Tehran/Washington/Jerusalem: Tensions in the Middle East surged on Sunday as the United States joined Israel in coordinated airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran responded with strong warnings and threats of retaliation, marking a dangerous escalation in the already volatile Iran-Israel conflict.
🔴 Iran Condemns US Attack, Warns of “Severe Response”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US strikes a “gross violation of international law”, blaming President Donald Trump for sabotaging diplomacy. Araghchi warned that the “invaders” would regret their aggression and held Washington fully responsible for the consequences.
“The United States betrayed diplomacy and deceived its own people,” Araghchi said, adding that Tehran would no longer entertain calls to return to negotiations.
He further accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of enabling the attacks by siding with Western powers.
✈️ US Used Stealth Bombers & Bunker-Busters in Israel-Coordinated Strikes
The Pentagon confirmed the use of B-2 stealth bombers, 14 bunker-busting bombs, and over 125 aircraft, in what Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called an “overwhelming success.”
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated,” Hegseth claimed, insisting the strikes were not aimed at regime change but to neutralize nuclear threats and support Israel.
🌍 Global Reactions: Russia, China, India Respond
- Russia denounced the strikes as “irresponsible,” warning of global security risks.
- China called the US action a violation of the UN Charter, urging restraint and renewed dialogue.
- India’s PM Narendra Modi spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. “Peace, security and stability must be restored at the earliest,” Modi posted on X.
🚨 Iran Considers Closing Strait of Hormuz
In a further escalation, Iran hinted at closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint that sees 20% of global oil trade. Araghchi said “all options are on the table”, although experts warn such a move could also hurt Iran’s own economy and fuel global oil shocks.
💣 Iran Fires Ballistic Missile at Israel
In retaliation, Iran launched its Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile—its largest—towards Israel. The missile has a 2,000-km range and carries a 1,500-kg warhead. Iranian media aired prior footage of its test-launch while confirming its use in Sunday’s strike.
🛫 Israel Downs Iranian Fighter Jets
Israel claimed to have shot down two Iranian F-5 fighter jets at Dezful Airport, following earlier strikes that targeted Iranian F-14 Tomcats. Iran has not officially acknowledged these losses.
🇬🇧 UK Was Briefed in Advance
British minister Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that the UK was informed before the US strikes but was not involved in the operation. He emphasized that London is working to protect its citizens and military assets in the region.
🧭 What’s Next?
With diplomacy failing and military strikes escalating, the region stands on the brink of wider conflict. Iran’s vow of reprisals, the US’s warning of further force, and international calls for calm signal a critical juncture in West Asia’s geopolitical future.