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U.S. Strikes Escalate Middle East Tensions
On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, calling them a spectacular military success. The strikes included B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs aimed to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
On June 22, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social, “IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR,” framing the attack as a historic moment. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strikes “outrageous,” reserving “all options” for retaliation.
Global Leaders Divided on Strikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Trump’s “bold decision,” saying it would “change history” through “peace through strength,”. China condemned the strikes as a UN Charter violation, urging Israel to ceasefire.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “dangerous escalation,” pushing diplomacy to avoid “catastrophic consequences.” The EU’s Kaja Kallas called for negotiations, stressing Iran must not gain nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia expressed concern for “sisterly” Iran, urging restraint.
Iran Allies and Adversaries React
Iran’s allies, including Yemen’s Houthis and Lebanon’s presidency, denounced the U.S. aggression, fearing regional instability. Venezuela’s Yvan Gil and Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the attacks as illegal, with Díaz-Canel warning of a global crisis, as reported by India Today on June 22, 2025.
Mexico and Australia advocated de-escalation. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev mocked Trump’s “peacemaker” image, saying he started a new war. Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba urged calm, supporting efforts to block Iran’s nuclear program without endorsing the strikes.
Regional and Global Implications
South Korea’s National Security Council met to minimize the crisis’s impact. Pope Leo called for diplomacy to avoid an “irreparable abyss.” Iran’s state media claimed the sites sustained no significant damage, asserting that materials had been evacuated.
The IAEA reported no off-site radiation. Iran launched retaliatory missiles, injuring 86 in Israel. On X, @AP detailed the targets of the strikes, noting their significance to Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. Political Reactions Split
Republicans in the U.S., such as Senator John Cornyn, applauded Trump’s “bold” action, whereas the Democrats, among them Hakeem Jeffries, labeled it illegal. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed the lack of congressional consent and even suggested that the workers should be impeached.
The strikes were an unusual step and could threaten a response from Iran. Trump’s decision was taken without the involvement of diplomatic agents, and it has caused the U.S. to be more deeply involved in the Israel-Iran conflict.