Trump announced that U.S. warplanes conducted precision airstrikes on three critical Iranian nuclear facilities, intensifying the volatile conflict between Iran and Israel. The targets included Fordo, a clandestine uranium enrichment plant buried in a remote mountainside, alongside Natanz and Isfahan, both pivotal to Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli officials confirmed their “full coordination” with the U.S. in orchestrating these high-stakes strikes.
No Regime Change Intended
US officials revealed that diplomatic channels were used on Saturday to inform Iran that the airstrikes were limited in scope. The message emphasized that the US has no plans for “regime change efforts,” aiming to contain the fallout from the military action.
Despite this reassurance, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and a “grave violation” of the UN Charter. In a fiery post on X, he warned of “everlasting consequences,” signaling Iran’s intent to retaliate.
IAEA Monitors Radiation Levels Post-Strikes
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no increase in off-site radiation levels following the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The agency pledged to provide further assessments as additional information emerges, underscoring its role in monitoring nuclear safety.
Iran’s leadership, however, views the strikes as a direct assault on its sovereignty. Araghchi’s statement called on UN members to denounce the US actions as “lawless and criminal behavior.”
Iran’s Defiant Response Signals Rising Tensions
Iran’s foreign minister asserted that the country reserves “all options” to defend its sovereignty in response to the US aggression. This has heightened global concerns about potential Iranian counterstrikes or retaliation.
As a permanent UN Security Council member, the US faces scrutiny for its unilateral action. Araghchi’s accusation of a UN Charter violation could galvanize international opposition to the strikes.
The US-led airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure have thrust the Middle East into a precarious new phase of conflict. With Israel as a key ally and Iran vowing retaliation, the risk of a wider regional war looms large.
