​​On June 22, 2025, America—after Israel—launched coordinated attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, the most open military action against Iran since 1979. Reuters' Maggie Harrison reported the news live, and President Trump's tweets indicated the mission as a massive success. The move was regarded as a crushing blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions.
/*The Strikes and Initial Aftermath*/ The bombing named "Operation Midnight Hammer" involved over 125 aircrafts and more than 75 precision-guided missiles, such as B‑2 bomber bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawks launched from submarines. The U.S. Air Force and Navy confirmed the sites were extensively damaged, although the IAEA then announced there had been no radiation releases. Tehran says its workers were cleared ahead of time, and there were no civilian or military casualties inside Iran.
/*Iran's Response and Regional Retaliation*/ Iran hit back in hours with missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases in Doha and Iraq. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, declared the end of diplomacy, calling it a blatant disregard for international law. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, promised "eternal consequences." Iran's parliament discussed closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, responsible for ~20% of all global oil transit.
/*Global Reactions: Condemnation and Calls for Restraint*/ Reactions of foreign players ranged from soft criticism to stern denunciation: 1. China condemned the strikes as UN Charter abuses and warned against destabilization, urging restraint during a UNSC meeting. 2. Russia trailed China's line, describing the attack as illegal and dangerous. 3. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Qatar, and the EU urged restraint and diplomacy. 4. Iranian-backed Yemen's Houthis condemned the U.S. and threatened sea attacks in solidarity with Israel.
/*U.S. Domestic Fallout and Congressional Tensions*/ The White House, under Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, defended the campaign as necessary to respond to an "imminent threat." The administration referenced U.S. receptiveness to Iranian regime change, without expressing any intent to occupy. Progressive and Democratic Party leaders—including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hakeem Jeffries—condemned the attacks as illegal actions absent Congressional approval, some even filing War Powers resolutions or discussing impeachment. House Speaker Mike Johnson mocked calls for accountability.
/*Wider Implications and the Way Forward*/ The attacks derail nuclear diplomacy, since Iranian leaders reject further talks while American officials insist on "zero enrichment." Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz potentially pushes oil prices up and global markets into chaos. Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged China to pressure Tehran not to close it. The next steps—diplomatic or punitive—are uncertain. Global and regional pressures now threaten to pull more countries into an expanding Middle East confrontation.