Israeli rescuers search through the rubble at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. Iran unleashed a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities early on June 16, after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran, with both sides threatening further devastation. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
Iran on Monday warned of severe consequences in response to U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, as the conflict with Israel stretched into its 11th day despite mounting international calls for restraint.
Air raid sirens blared across Israel, with multiple explosions reported in Jerusalem. The Israeli military confirmed it had bombed missile installations in western Iran and hit six Iranian airports, claiming to have destroyed aircraft and helicopters.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American forces used “bunker buster” bombs on nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, asserting that the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, U.S. officials cautioned it was too early to determine the actual impact on Iran’s nuclear program, long viewed as a threat by Israel and its Western allies.
Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari described the U.S. attack—following over a week of Israeli strikes—as an act of aggression that could escalate the conflict. He warned that Iran would respond with powerful and unpredictable military operations.
Oil prices jumped over 4% in early trading on Monday, reflecting market jitters. China urged both Iran and Israel to avoid further escalation, warning of broader economic consequences. Oman, which has played a mediating role in stalled Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations, condemned the strikes and appealed for calm.
Iran’s foreign ministry accused Washington of betraying diplomatic efforts. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei lamented that future generations would remember the U.S. as having attacked Iran in the middle of peace talks.
Britain, France, and Germany also urged Iran not to take any further actions that might destabilize the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled Israel’s ongoing air campaign—launched on June 13—a “grave mistake.”
**Global Concern Over Escalation**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appealed to China to help prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for about 20% of the world’s oil. As Iran threatened U.S. military bases in the region, the State Department issued a global alert for American citizens.
In Tehran, anti-U.S. and anti-Israel protests erupted. Residents expressed shock over the attacks, with one woman in Semnan province, far from the bombed sites, voicing concern for those living near targeted nuclear facilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of backing Israel’s military campaign and pledged a strong response.
Although the Pentagon clarified that the U.S. does not aim to overthrow Iran’s government, Trump hinted otherwise. On his Truth Social platform, he suggested regime change might be justified if Iran’s leadership couldn’t “Make Iran Great Again.” He also doubled down on claims that the strikes caused “monumental damage” to Iranian nuclear sites, referencing satellite imagery without releasing it.
At a Pentagon briefing, General Dan Caine reported that all three targeted nuclear facilities had sustained “extremely severe damage.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s military operations would end only once Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities were neutralized. “We’re very, very close to completing them,” he stated.
**Casualties and Diplomatic Fallout**
Iran’s health ministry reported that over 400 people have been killed by Israeli strikes. Iranian attacks on Israel have resulted in 24 deaths, according to official figures.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told the UN Security Council that while visible craters were observed at Fordo, underground damage had not yet been assessed. He reiterated that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never occur.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized the U.S. for derailing nuclear diplomacy. While Russia condemned both the U.S. and Israeli actions, it has not offered direct military support and has downplayed commitments under a strategic alliance with Tehran signed earlier this year.
Russia, China, and Pakistan have circulated a draft resolution at the UN Security Council urging an “immediate ceasefire” in Iran.
AFP
Advertisement
