The global community is bracing for Iran’s next move after the United States joined Israel in launching a major military strike on key Iranian nuclear facilities—marking the most significant Western assault on the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.
The U.S. military dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear site on Saturday, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation. In a televised address, U.S. President Donald Trump called the operation a “spectacular military success,” declaring that Iran’s principal enrichment sites had been “completely and totally obliterated.”
While Iran and Israel continued to exchange missile attacks—causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in both countries—Trump raised the specter of regime change in a Truth Social post, questioning whether Iran’s current leadership could “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a domestic alert citing a heightened threat of cyberattacks and targeted violence. Law enforcement agencies ramped up security around key religious and diplomatic locations in major U.S. cities. Simultaneously, the State Department released a global caution advisory for U.S. citizens abroad, citing the potential for anti-American demonstrations and travel disruptions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking from Istanbul, said all options remain on the table and dismissed a return to diplomacy until Iran has issued a response. “The U.S. has shown it only understands the language of threats and force,” he stated.
Satellite imagery suggests that the Fordow facility, built deep beneath a mountain, may have sustained substantial damage. However, the IAEA confirmed no increase in radiation levels, while an Iranian source claimed enriched uranium had been moved before the strike.
Iran’s parliament also voted to approve a motion to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway for global oil trade—pending final approval from the country’s Supreme National Security Council. Oil markets reacted swiftly, with Brent crude jumping above $80 a barrel.
While Trump warned that future attacks could follow if Iran retaliates, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no further strikes are currently planned “unless they [Iran] mess around.”
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting, where Russia, China, and Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “dangerous escalation” and urged all sides to resume nuclear diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders signaled their long-term aim may go beyond disabling Iran’s nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel was close to eliminating Iran’s missile and nuclear threats. U.S. officials, however, have sought to distance Washington from regime change ambitions, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressing that the mission was strictly aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capability.
In both Iran and Israel, civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Iranian authorities report over 400 deaths—mostly civilians—since the strikes began, while Israel has confirmed 24 civilian deaths from Iranian missile attacks.
As air raid sirens rang out across Israel on Sunday, residents in Tel Aviv and beyond took cover. “We know we will win,” said one Israeli, surveying the damage to his home after a direct hit.
In Iran, many residents fled cities for rural areas, fearing further attacks. “Our future is dark,” said Bita, a teacher in central Iran. “It’s like living in a horror movie.”
With both sides showing no sign of backing down, the international community now watches anxiously for Iran’s next step—one that could either lead to deeper conflict or renewed diplomatic engagement.
