US and Israeli Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities and Subsequent Military Actions
US and Israeli Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities and Subsequent Military Actions
On Saturday, the United States launched airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Donald Trump claimed the strikes “completely and fully obliterated” key nuclear sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, confirmed visible damage at Fordo and Natanz, noting craters at Fordo and damage to entrances of tunnels used for enriched material storage at Isfahan. He also stated that the fuel enrichment plant at Natanz had been hit again. The IAEA is holding an emergency meeting to assess the situation. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, with approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% unaccounted for.
Following the US strikes, Israel launched multiple attacks on Iranian territory. These strikes targeted various locations, including Iranian command centers (Thar-Allah, Sayyid al-Shuhada Corps, and the general intelligence directorate of the internal security forces), airports, aircraft, helicopters, missile sites, and the gates of Evin prison in Tehran. The Israeli military also reported dismantling over 1.5 miles of underground tunnels in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that it had attacked six airports in western, eastern, and central Iran, destroying 15 aircraft and helicopters. At least 10 officers of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in strikes near Yazd. Israel’s national intelligence agency, Mossad, also reported the killing of Hussein Nejat, a commander of the Tharallah division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Israeli military warned civilians to stay in protected spaces due to missile launches from Iran.
Iran has vowed retaliation and stated it “reserves all options,” including potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported large explosions in Tehran and Karaj. The Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, announced that lawmakers are drafting a bill to end cooperation with the IAEA. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss the situation. Araghchi also stated that Iran would coordinate its response with Russia.
Several countries have condemned the US and Israeli actions. Pakistan condemned the strikes as violating international law. China, a close economic partner of Iran, also condemned the attacks and submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire. North Korea strongly condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Russia’s President Putin condemned the American attacks as “absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran.”
The US Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place warning for American citizens. The State Department issued a worldwide caution to US citizens, advising increased caution due to travel disruptions and potential demonstrations. Air France suspended flights to Tel Aviv until July 14 due to security concerns. Several communities in southern Israel experienced power outages following a strike near an Israel Electric Corp. facility. Reports of injuries from anxiety and injuries sustained while seeking shelter were reported in Israel following missile launches from Iran. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department apologized for an “offensive and inappropriate” social media post regarding the conflict. The situation in Iran’s Evin Prison was reported as stable after being struck by Israeli forces. The Iranian Judiciary Media Center stated that the prison was under control and that all necessary measures were taken to manage the situation.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi held a press conference in Paris, calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down. He also announced several initiatives aimed at facilitating a democratic transition in Iran. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia expressed support for the US strikes, urging Iran to engage in diplomacy and de-escalation. President Trump’s former advisors, Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio, are launching a super PAC to oppose Representative Thomas Massie, who criticized Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
The escalating conflict has led to rising oil prices due to concerns about potential disruptions to oil supply. Iran is OPEC’s third-largest crude producer, and any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly impact global oil markets. The EU warned that an Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be extremely dangerous. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions and uncertainty regarding the extent of the damage to Iranian nuclear facilities and the potential for further escalation.
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