President Donald Trump has now affirmed that he gave direct orders to the US armed forces to attack three strategic nuclear locations in Iran, and this has been a milestone move in the escalating tussle between Israel and Iran. The White House called the strikes, which began early Sunday morning local time, as having completely destroyed the targeted facilities. U.S. authorities said the strike was carried out by more than 125 planes, which hit targets at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan–places that form the core of the Iranian nuclear enrichment program–with B-2 stealth bombers that fired heavy bunker-buster bombs.
The unprecedented ruling has forced the United States into a hands-on role in a local war, which, up until now, it had supported proactively, mostly by intelligence and indirect military support to Israel. The decision by Trump has pleased the hawks in policy making, but it is raising fears among world leaders that this would result in a full-scale war in the Middle East.
Iran Vows Revenge
Immediately after the strikes, Iranian leaders promised swift and harsh retaliation. The bombings were an act of war declared by senior members of the parliament of Iran who threatened the U.S that they would pay the price. In Tehran, the biggest anti-U.S. demonstrations took place with protesters chanting slogans and demanding retribution not merely over the destruction of the infrastructure but also over what they termed as tampering with national sovereignty.
The Iranian state media asserted that Iran was now in full war footing and could afford a prolonged conflict that could extend to a period of two years. The latter also added that Iran is ready to step up its missile attacks on Israel and probably U.S. military bases in the region.
Massive Damage Reported
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not yet been able to fully assess the destruction, but satellite images show massive damage to the Fordow enrichment facility, which is buried deep beneath a mountain. Twelve massive bunker-buster bombs struck Fordow alone, creating visible craters and raising serious concerns over Iran’s remaining nuclear capabilities.
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, said it is still unclear whether Iran has any enriched uranium stockpile left or if it was relocated in the days before the attack. Iran’s refusal to allow inspectors back into the country since the initial Israeli strike has only heightened uncertainty and fears of further escalation.
Regime Change or Retaliation?
Trump’s rhetoric following the strike has added fuel to the fire. In a series of social media posts and public statements, the former president hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, stating that “the Iranian people deserve better than this terrorist regime.” While Trump’s allies have applauded the tough stance, analysts warn that openly calling for regime change could backfire, potentially strengthening hardliners inside Iran and justifying even more aggressive action from Tehran.
Experts have cautioned that a collapsed Iranian regime could lead to internal chaos, civil war, or a power grab by military factions. As one analyst put it, “Regime change doesn’t guarantee a peaceful outcome. It could create a power vacuum with even more unpredictable consequences.”
Global and Economic Fallout
Beyond the battlefield, the strike is already causing ripple effects in global markets. Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears of regional supply disruption grew. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that ongoing conflict in the oil-rich Middle East could further threaten already fragile global economic stability.
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has condemned the U.S. strikes and met with Iranian officials in Moscow. The alliance between Iran and Russia is likely to deepen, as both nations face increasing pressure from Western governments.
Conclusion
Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities has dramatically escalated U.S. involvement in a volatile conflict. While the short-term military objective may have been achieved, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. Whether this marks a turning point toward regional peace or a dangerous spiral into wider war will depend on the next moves by Tehran, Washington, and other key players in the international community.
