Gilan, Iran – In a significant escalation of military tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran amid strained relations with Israel.
Early Sunday, US bunker-buster bombs were deployed from B-2 Spirit strategic bombers while Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from naval platforms. These strikes targeted Iran’s top three nuclear sites located at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Trump boldly claimed that these facilities were ‘totally obliterated,’ yet reports verifying the damage remain absent.
After a delay of several hours, Iranian authorities confirmed the attacks, emphasizing that no radioactive leak occurred. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also echoed this assessment, stating there was no contamination of off-site environments.
Despite the severity of the strike, Iranian state media appeared to minimize its impact. Reports from IRNA, a government-run outlet, described limited smoke rising from the vicinity of Fordow, identified as the most crucial and fortified facility. They noted a lack of significant activity from emergency responders, fueling skepticism regarding the extent of the strikes.
Emerging satellite images suggested possible impact locations near Fordow, indicating that the massive GBU-57 bombs likely penetrated deep underground before detonation, aimed to demolish the Iranian nuclear infrastructure concealed beneath the mountains.
The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, Pir Hossein Kolivand, stated that there had been no fatalities linked to the US strikes. Furthermore, reports indicated considerable movement of trucks and bulldozers around Fordow in the weeks leading up to the bombings, hinting at Iran’s preparation to mitigate damage by relocating equipment and nuclear materials.
Ahead of these military actions, heavy machinery was observed filling the entrance tunnels of Fordow to reduce the impact of falling ordnance on the site.
While attending a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that a military response from Tehran is now unavoidable.
‘Our country has been invaded, and we must respond,’ he told reporters, stressing the importance of patience and ensuring a proportional response to US aggressions. He further stated that any consideration of diplomatic pathways or negotiations hinged on the cessation of hostile actions.
Prior to these events, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a stark warning from an undisclosed location. He asserted that a direct military engagement by Washington would be detrimental, predicting that the United States would suffer irreparable harm if it chose to engage directly in this conflict.
The Iranian government’s reaction included calls for retaliatory measures from hardline politicians and opinion leaders.
State television’s Channel 3 broadcasted a map of US military installations throughout the region, including those in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, highlighting their vulnerability to Iranian missile strikes.
Anchor Mehdi Khanalizadeh declared it was evident that all US citizens and military personnel are now legitimate targets, framing the US military presence in the region as a direct threat to Iranian sovereignty.
Iranian media has also showcased reactions from various political figures.
Amirhossein Tahmasebi, known for his defiant stance, expressed resentment towards President Trump, denouncing his characterization as a leader advocating for peace.
Hardline editor Hossein Shariatmadari urged immediate missile strikes against US naval forces stationed in Bahrain, advocating for a broader confrontation against American interests in the region.
Amidst these threats, Hamid Rasaei, a hardline member of Iran’s parliament, advocated for direct action against US bases in Saudi Arabia, despite the improving relations between Tehran and Riyadh in recent years.
In Iran, most citizens have limited access to the internet due to government restrictions, yet those who can connect have expressed anger and frustration towards the events unfolding.
One social media user lamented the squandering of Iranian oil wealth, reflecting a sense of loss over potential economic opportunities now overshadowed by military conflict.
Another user sarcastically commented on President Trump’s bombings as a misguided approach to achieving peace.
Prominent filmmaker Asghar Farhadi drew inspiration from Mount Damavand as a symbol of national pride, calling for resilience in the face of adversity.
Notably, some Iranians living abroad have voiced support for US and Israeli actions, believing they may catalyze change in the ruling theocratic regime.
This view has provoked swift denunciations from authorities and state media, labeling these supporters as traitors.
Elias Hazrati, a spokesperson for President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterated the government’s stance that those aligning with US and Israeli interests are ‘dishonourable opposition’ undermining their own country.
In light of rising tensions, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a stern warning, granting those involved with Israeli interests until the end of Sunday to turn themselves in or face severe repercussions as traitors during wartime.
Subsequent reports surfaced of executions linked to accusations of espionage for Israel, illustrating the high stakes amid the ongoing conflict.
As the situation evolves, both domestic reactions and international diplomatic implications remain fluid, with Iran facing critical challenges in managing internal dissent and external military pressures.
image source from：aljazeera
