Early Sunday, the U.S. military took a significant step by striking three sites in Iran, thereby involving itself directly in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.
This intervention comes in the wake of over a week of Israeli airstrikes aimed at crippling Iran’s air defenses, offensive missile capabilities, and nuclear enrichment facilities, amid increasing concerns over Tehran’s potential retaliation.
Officials from both the U.S. and Israel have stated that American stealth bombers, equipped with advanced 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, provided the most effective means to target heavily fortified sites deeply embedded in the Iranian landscape.
During a press conference, President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted key nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Reports from Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed these strikes but offered no detailed assessment.
In the aftermath, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran reserves the right to retaliate against what he called acts of aggression.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vocally condemned these U.S. strikes, asserting that they illustrate the U.S.’s role as the primary instigator behind Israel’s actions against Iran.
Pezeshkian called upon the Iranian populace to unite in the face of aggression from both Israel and the U.S.
Subsequent to the strikes, explosions were reported in Bushehr, where Iran’s only nuclear power plant is located, though authorities indicated there were no issues at the facility.
Additionally, explosions were also heard in Yazd, which some speculate might stem from Israeli airstrikes targeting infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that 51 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes over the previous 24 hours.
This brings the overall death toll from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, to over 55,959, with over 131,242 others injured.
The Health Ministry’s data does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, although it indicates that more than half of the deceased are women and children.
In response to the strikes on Iranian sites, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that the assessment of damage was ongoing.
He addressed inquiries about whether enriched materials had been secured prior to the U.S. strikes, indicating that it was still too soon to determine the situation.
Defrin also clarified that the U.S.’s strike operations were conducted in coordination with the Israeli military.
France expressed apprehension regarding the U.S. strikes.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated through social media that France did not participate in either the strikes or their planning and urged for restraint to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
Araghchi, in a notable diplomatic maneuver, announced his plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later the same day, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Following the U.S. strikes, Araghchi stated that the possibility for diplomacy had been obliterated and condemned Washington’s warmongering stance.
In an emergency address to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East posed a risk of engulfing the region and potentially the world in an irreversible war.
Images captured via satellite demonstrated visible damage to the Fordo site, confirming the impact of the U.S. airstrikes.
The analysis of these images, provided by Planet Labs PBC, indicated altered geographical features around the site consistent with a substantial blast.
Iran has yet to provide an official assessment of the damage sustained at Fordo.
Moreover, reports indicated that prior to the U.S. strikes, Iran had sealed the entrances of its tunnels at Fordo.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to social media to assert that the U.S. strikes have extinguished any chances for a return to diplomatic discussions.
In a post, he questioned the feasibility of Iran re-engaging in talks after the recent escalation, criticizing U.S. and European calls for renewed negotiations.
U.S. officials had earlier briefed Congress that Iran did not pose an immediate threat concerning its nuclear program.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy highlighted that recent intelligence assessments indicated Iran was not close to developing a deployable nuclear weapon.
On the diplomatic front, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council.
In formal correspondence, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the U.S. actions as illegal and a breach of international law, pleading for the Security Council to hold the U.S. accountable.
The situation escalated as Israeli forces identified incoming missiles from Iran targeting their territory.
Officials advised Israeli citizens to seek shelter in response to this impending threat.
In retaliation for the U.S airstrikes, Iran announced it had launched a barrage of missiles aimed at Israel, among which were the Khorramshahr-4 missiles.
The Iranian state media acknowledged the firing of these missiles, showcasing footage of the weapon as a statement of their military capability.
Reportedly, the Khorramshahr-4 missile is capable of carrying a substantial payload and serves as part of Iran’s advanced missile arsenal.
As the tension escalated, reports indicated that U.S. airstrikes had targeted additional military installations in Iran.
In Israeli territory, at least 16 individuals were injured as a result of the Iranian missile strikes.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, an Israeli hospital reported a recent uptick in casualties due to continued military actions from its adversaries.
Reports of retaliatory strikes continued with the Israeli defense forces actively targeting Iranian military locations as well.
In a significant development, Iran publicly executed an individual accused of espionage for Israel, raising concerns about potential reprisals against those perceived to be connected with the Israeli government.
This act follows heightened tensions and is indicative of Iran’s stance on punitive measures against perceived acts of treachery amidst the ongoing conflict.
The escalating situation has compelled nations within the region, including Bahrain, to issue safety advisories for residents, urging caution as military actions unfold.
The DIFC also reported the activation of specific protocols to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents during these turbulent times.
Israeli officials have remarked favorably on the U.S. strikes, heralding them as a defining moment against a perceived axis of terror.
The situation remains fluid and volatile as the international community watches in apprehension.
image source from：nbcwashington
