U.S. and Israel Escalate Conflict with Devastating Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites: Global Powers Urge Restraint

In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on June 22, 2025, that U.S. forces executed "massive precision strikes" on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—obliterating critical uranium enrichment capabilities. The operation, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," involved B-2 stealth bombers deploying bunker-buster bombs, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, targeting the deeply buried Fordo facility. Trump hailed the strikes as a "spectacular military success," warning Iran of "far greater" consequences if it retaliates, while urging immediate peace negotiations.

Iran's Defiant Response and Regional Fallout

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a "grave violation" of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In a post on X, he declared Iran's readiness to defend its sovereignty "by all necessary means," reserving "all options" for retaliation. Iran's Supreme National Security Council is deliberating a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas chokepoint, following parliamentary approval. Such a move could disrupt 20% of global energy supplies, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urge China to dissuade Iran, citing Beijing's reliance on the strait.

Iranian media reported a massive explosion in Bushehr province, home to Iran's only nuclear power plant, though authorities denied radioactive contamination. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no significant nuclear material was hit at Isfahan and reported no off-site radiation spikes. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization insisted its nuclear expertise "cannot be destroyed," despite acknowledged damage.

In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of 40 missiles, including the Khorramshahr-4, targeting Israeli sites such as Ben Gurion Airport and command centers. Israeli media reported 16 injuries and significant damage in central Israel, with air defenses intercepting over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones since the conflict's onset on June 13.

 Global Condemnation and Calls for Diplomacy

The U.S. strikes drew widespread condemnation. The United Nations, Russia, China, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas denounced the attacks as violations of international law, warning of a spiraling regional conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the strikes a "dangerous escalation," urging diplomacy to avert "catastrophic consequences." Russia's Foreign Ministry called the U.S. actions "irresponsible," while China emphasized the need for a ceasefire and negotiations.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, called for restraint and a return to talks within the NPT framework. France announced an emergency defense cabinet meeting, and the EU scheduled discussions for June 23. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed "deep concern" and advocated for de-escalation through dialogue.

 Regional and Global Repercussions

The conflict has disrupted global aviation, with airlines avoiding Middle Eastern airspace and Israel closing its airspace to flights until 5:00 PM GMT on June 22. Bahrain advised citizens to avoid main roads, and Kuwait established shelters for 900 people. India evacuated 1,428 nationals, including 311 on a special flight from Mashhad, under Operation Sindhu, and offered to assist Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens.

Economic impacts are emerging, with Tel Aviv's stock indices hitting record highs, reflecting investor confidence in Israel's military gains. However, fears of energy supply disruptions have driven U.S. crude prices up 10% in a week, raising inflation concerns globally.

Ongoing Tensions and Uncertain Future

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's "bold decision," claiming it set back Iran's nuclear program by years. Israel continued strikes on Iranian military targets, including missile launchers in western Iran, and reported killing key Iranian commanders. Iran's Supreme Leader's adviser vowed to hold the IAEA accountable, alleging its inaction incited the attacks.

As the UN Security Council and IAEA prepare for emergency meetings on June 22 and 23, respectively, the world watches anxiously. With Trump signaling a two-week window for diplomacy now closed by U.S. action, and Iran vowing a robust response, the risk of a broader conflict looms large. The international community's push for de-escalation faces a critical test as both sides dig in.