Iran has threatened to deliver “serious” and “unpredictable” consequences following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, as the war between Iran and Israel entered its 11th day despite growing international appeals for de-escalation.
The conflict escalated sharply after U.S. forces targeted key nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. Former President Donald Trump confirmed the use of “bunker buster” bombs in the strikes, claiming they had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“Monumental damage was done to all nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, although no images were provided.
While Israeli forces continued their aerial campaign, air raid sirens sounded across Israel, and multiple blasts were reported over Jerusalem, according to AFP correspondents. The Israeli military announced strikes on missile sites in western Iran and attacks on six Iranian airports, reportedly destroying fighter jets and helicopters.
Iranian Leaders Vow Retaliation
Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, declared on state television that the U.S. “hostile act” would “pave the way for the extension of war in the region.” He warned:
“The fighters of Islam will inflict serious, unpredictable consequences on you with powerful and targeted (military) operations.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of openly backing Israel’s campaign and vowed a national response.
“The U.S. strikes reveal that Washington is behind the Israeli campaign against the Islamic Republic,” Pezeshkian said.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign, launched on June 13, calling it “a big mistake.”
In a significant diplomatic rebuke, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of sabotaging diplomatic efforts.
“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.
International and Domestic Fallout
The U.S. airstrikes drew swift international reactions. China urged both sides to prevent the conflict from spreading, citing potential economic consequences. Oil prices surged more than four percent on Monday, reflecting market anxiety.
Oman, an important mediator in the Iran-U.S. nuclear talks condemned the American strikes and called for restraint. Britain, France, and Germany jointly urged Iran to avoid any further action that could destabilize the region.
In central Tehran, protesters waved Iranian flags and chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. In the eastern province of Semnan, 46-year-old housewife Samireh expressed her alarm:
“Semnan province is very far from the nuclear facilities targeted, but I’m very concerned for the people who live near.”
Casualties Mount as Diplomatic Channels Strain
Iran’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes have killed over 400 people. Iranian attacks on Israel have resulted in 24 deaths, according to Israeli officials. Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed the severity of the U.S. airstrikes, with General Dan Caine stating:
“Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage.”
At the United Nations, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi addressed an emergency Security Council meeting, reporting visible craters at the Fordo facility but no confirmed underground damage.
“Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place,” Grossi warned.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, en route to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused the U.S. of deliberately undermining nuclear diplomacy.
“The United States has chosen to blow up diplomacy by intervening militarily in this conflict,” Araghchi said.
Global Powers Respond
Russia, China, and Pakistan jointly introduced a draft resolution at the UN Security Council on Sunday calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Iran. Although Russia condemned the strikes by the U.S. and Israel, it stopped short of offering military assistance, downplaying commitments under a recent strategic agreement with Tehran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to help deter Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supplies. The State Department also issued a worldwide security alert to Americans abroad in response to Iran’s threats against U.S. bases in the region.
Despite Pentagon assurances that regime change is not the goal, Trump appeared to entertain the idea, stating:
“It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’” he wrote. “But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change???”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the airstrikes would only end once their objectives, namely the destruction of Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities were fully achieved.
“We are very, very close to completing them,” Netanyahu said.
AFP
