U.S. and Israel Launch Coordinated Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites; Iran Retaliates with Missile Attack on U.S. Base in Qatar

Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States and Israel jointly launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump described the operation as a "very successful attack," stating it was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The assault involved U.S. B-2 bombers equipped with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and Israeli fighter jets, marking the most significant Western military action against Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

U.S. military officials reported that the strikes caused substantial damage to Iran’s underground Fordow facility, though the full extent remains unclear due to the site's fortified nature. Satellite imagery and initial assessments suggest that uranium-enriching centrifuges may have been destroyed, but explosion analysts caution that the precise impact is still being evaluated. The International Atomic Energy Agency is currently investigating the aftermath.

In response, Iran fired a barrage of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23. Qatari air defenses intercepted the missiles, and no casualties or significant damage were reported. Iranian state media confirmed that missile strikes also targeted U.S. bases in Iraq.

Iranian leaders condemned the U.S.-Israeli operation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared, "We will not yield to anyone's infringement; this reflects the reasoning of the Iranian people," vowing that Iran would not surrender to foreign violations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the attacks had eliminated any prospects for diplomacy. Iran’s Health Ministry reported over 400 civilian deaths from Israeli strikes, and senior Iranian officials warned that further U.S. bases in the region could be targeted.

The international community reacted with alarm, urging restraint and a return to diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the "spiral of chaos," while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Japan issued statements calling for de-escalation. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons criticized the U.S. actions as "reckless" and a violation of international law.

The conflict has also rattled global markets, with oil prices dropping more than 6% following Iran’s missile retaliation, reflecting investor concerns over regional stability.

In Washington, the strikes have ignited political debate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded congressional oversight under the War Powers Act, while some Republican lawmakers questioned the constitutionality of the president’s unilateral military action. The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution for Americans abroad, and airlines, including Air India, suspended flights over the Gulf region.

As the situation remains volatile, regional and global leaders continue to call for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.