Tensions in the Middle East surged on Monday as Iran threatened a forceful response to recent United States airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, even as Israeli bombardments continued into the 11th day of conflict.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks, calling the June 13 bombing campaign “a big mistake.”
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on missile sites in western Iran and reported destroying fighter jets and helicopters at six airports across the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had deployed “bunker buster” bombs to destroy targets in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, declaring the operations had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, officials noted it was too early to assess the full impact on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari responded on state television, describing the U.S. airstrikes—coming on the heels of sustained Israeli attacks—as a “hostile act” that would “pave the way for the extension of war in the region.”
“The fighters of Islam will inflict serious, unpredictable consequences on you with powerful and targeted (military) operations,” he warned.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the developments, with prices surging over 4% early Monday amid growing global concern. China urged restraint, warning that a prolonged conflict could carry severe economic risks.
Oman, which has historically played a mediating role in nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, condemned the U.S. strikes and appealed for de-escalation.
Iran’s foreign ministry accused Washington of sabotaging diplomacy.
“Future generations will not forget that the Iranians were in the middle of a diplomatic process with a country that is now at war with us,” said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
Meanwhile, Britain, France, and Germany called on Iran to exercise caution and avoid further actions that could destabilize the region.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military campaign would continue until its objectives—dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure—were achieved. “We are very, very close to completing them,” he said.
Across Israel, air raid sirens rang out as aerial bombardments continued. Multiple blasts were heard over Jerusalem, according to local sources.
Rising Global Alarm
The escalating conflict has sparked widespread demonstrations in Iran. In Tehran, protesters rallied against the U.S. and Israel. In the eastern province of Semnan, residents expressed shock and concern.
“Semnan province is very far from the nuclear facilities targeted, but I’m very concerned for the people who live near,” said 46-year-old housewife Samireh.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of being “behind” Israel’s military operations and vowed retaliation.
Despite Pentagon assurances that regime change was not the objective of the strikes, Trump reignited speculation with a post on his social media platform: “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???”
Later, he doubled down: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!”
Pentagon officials confirmed that all three targeted nuclear sites had sustained “extremely severe damage,” according to General Dan Caine.
Casualty Count and International Response
Iran’s health ministry reported that over 400 people have been killed in the Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, official figures place Israeli casualties from Iranian attacks at 24.
At an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Rafael Grossi, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported visible damage at the Fordo facility. He added, “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused the U.S. of seeking to “blow up” nuclear diplomacy.
While Russia condemned the Israeli and American strikes, it has stopped short of offering military assistance and has downplayed its commitments under a recent strategic partnership with Iran.
Russia, China, and Pakistan jointly submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Iran.
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