The conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a significant turn, with the Israeli military confirming it carried out air strikes on the Fordo nuclear site. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes aimed to “obstruct access routes” to the site. This development comes a day after the US launched a major attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, causing “monumental damage” according to US President Donald Trump.
The IDF statement confirmed that the Israeli Air Force targeted “military sites in western Iran,” including missile launchers poised to fire at Israeli territory and Iranian armed forces personnel. Iran’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military “is carrying out strikes of unprecedented force against regime targets and agencies of government oppression in the heart of Tehran”.
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the escalating tensions. The United Nations nuclear watchdog has called for a ceasefire to inspect the damage, while the European Union is urging Iran not to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also reached out to China, asking them to put pressure on Tehran to avoid shutting down the strait.
In response to the US strikes, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that “they crossed a very big red line by attacking (Iran’s) nuclear facilities”. He vowed that Iran would defend itself “by all means necessary against… US military aggression”. Araghchi is currently in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they will discuss “common threats and enemies”.
The conflict’s escalation has significant implications for the global economy, particularly the energy market. Oil prices have surged over 4% due to concerns about the potential disruption of oil supplies from the region. The Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for global oil trade, is a major concern, with Iran considering closing it in response to the US strikes.
The US has issued a worldwide caution for Americans, warning of potential demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. The New York Police Department has also announced enhanced deployments to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites throughout the city.
US President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of leadership change in Iran, stating, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” Trump’s comments come after his team said replacing the regime was not the aim of the US strikes over the weekend.
Iran has vowed a “decisive response” to the US strikes, with General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, warning that Washington’s strikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand” to act against US interests and its army. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides exchanging missile attacks and rhetoric.