US forces have carried out “very successful” strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear installations in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, according to senior US officials.
A stern warning accompanied the announcement:
“Remember, there are many targets left,” the official said, cautioning against any attempts at retaliation.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister denounced the strikes on what he referred to as Iran’s “peaceful nuclear installations,” calling the attacks “outrageous” and warning of “everlasting consequences.”
This statement comes as Iran launched a missile assault on central and northern Israel, injuring at least 23 people.
Israel’s main airlines, El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Israel Airlines, have suspended flights until further notice, citing escalating missile threats. El Al extended cancellations through June 27, and many other carriers are avoiding Middle Eastern airspace, as confirmed by FlightRadar24.
The US strike has sparked worldwide concern. According to Professor Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown University in Qatar:
“Many in Iran believe that Israel’s end game… is to turn Iran into Libya, into Iraq… the dismemberment of Iran is what Netanyahu has in mind.”
At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a “gross and unprecedented violation” of international law and insisted that Iran will defend itself:
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its right to stand with all its might against US military aggression…”
Experts are raising alarm over how this might escalate. Adam Weinstein of the Quincy Institute warned that it risks dragging the US into a broader war:
“This is how the escalation cycle starts… It will be very difficult for countries that risk ending up in the crosshairs…”
Similarly, Trita Parsi, also of Quincy Institute, cautioned that the attack could drive Iran to develop a nuclear weapon within five to ten years, warning that:
“We have to keep in mind… two nuclear‑equipped countries attacked a non-nuclear weapons state without having been attacked first.”
