Tensions Escalate as U.S. and Israel Target Iranian Nuclear Sites; Tehran Warns of ‘Everlasting Consequences’

The Middle East is facing a severe escalation of hostilities as the United States and Israel have carried out coordinated strikes against key Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant intensification of the long-running conflict over Iran’s nuclear program.

On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces launched airstrikes targeting three crucial nuclear sites in Iran—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—using massive 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs. U.S. officials claimed the strikes “devastated” or “demolished” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, with the UN nuclear watchdog confirming that tunnels storing enriched uranium at Isfahan were hit. These attacks represent the first direct aerial assault by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear installations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and illegal under international law, warning of “everlasting,” “dangerous,” and “far-reaching” consequences for what he called an “egregious act of aggression”. Araghchi asserted Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and said Iran reserves all options to protect its sovereignty, interests, and people. He accused the U.S. of “blowing up” ongoing diplomacy, referencing recent negotiations with European and U.S. officials that were derailed by the military actions.

The conflict, now in its second week, has seen Israel intensify its own military operations against Iran, targeting not only nuclear sites but also energy infrastructure and the state broadcaster IRIB. Iranian authorities have labeled those supporting U.S. and Israeli strikes as committing “treason.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, appearing in broadcasts from what appears to be a secure location, dismissed Trump’s calls for surrender as “ridiculous” and warned of “irreparable damage” from U.S. intervention.

Iran has retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli cities, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and over 1,270 injuries, according to Israeli officials. However, reports suggest Iran’s missile stocks are depleting. Inside Iran, citizens describe feelings of fear, anger, and paralysis, with the health ministry reporting at least 430 deaths from the recent bombings—though some human rights groups estimate the toll could be twice as high.

European leaders, including Britain, France, and Germany (the E3), have urged Iran to avoid further escalation, while Russia and China have objected to the U.S. attacks. The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations has called for an emergency Security Council meeting, accusing the U.S. of violating the UN Charter and international law.

Global oil markets are on edge as India and Turkey take steps to secure their energy supplies amid fears of disruption. U.S. military bases and assets in the region remain on heightened alert, with officials bracing for potential Iranian retaliation against American interests.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides warning of further escalation and the international community struggling to mediate a path to de-escalation.