By Rafiyat Sadiq
Iran has warned the United States of a “powerful response with heavy consequences” following American airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities.
A spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military unit accused Washington of committing a “criminal” act on behalf of Israel, describing the strikes as a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty.
“This hostile act was carried out with the aim of reviving the dying Zionist regime,” the spokesman said, in reference to Israel. He added that the U.S. bombardment expanded the range of “legitimate and diverse targets” that Iran now considers within its reach.
Khatam al-Anbiya operates under the direct command of Iran’s General Staff and functions separately from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran while strongly condemning the U.S. attacks and asked the United Nations Security Council to “immediately act” to address “injustice and gross violations” by the U.S. and Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel with its surprise attack that sparked the war and the U.S. with its intervention this weekend each “ decided to blow up” diplomacy.
Iran warned at the UNSC meeting that “the timing, nature and the scale of Iran’s proportionate response will be decided by its armed force,” and Iranian officials have warned that “all options” are on the table and that U.S. military bases in the region are “legitimate targets.”
Trump Justifies Strikes, Highlights Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program
In a national address from the White House on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. He said the aim was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and neutralize a threat posed by what he called “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat,” Trump stated. On Sunday, he took to social media to emphasize that the damage inflicted was “monumental,” calling the hits “hard and accurate.”
Trump Hints at Regime Change in Tehran
President Trump also appeared to question the future of Iran’s leadership, suggesting that regime change might be inevitable if the current government fails to meet the expectations of its people.
“It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘regime change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be a regime change?” Trump posted online.
His remarks contrast with earlier calls for de-escalation and talks with Iranian officials over the growing tensions in the Middle East.
U.S. Officials Clarify: War Is With Nuclear Program, Not Iran
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tehran against retaliating or accelerating its nuclear weapons program, stating that doing so would place the regime “at risk.” Rubio maintained that Washington’s goal remains the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran.
Vice President JD Vance reinforced this stance during an interview with NBC. “We’re not at war with Iran,” he said. “We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program.”
The administration’s coordinated message, delivered by top officials including the Pentagon and military advisers, suggested that Washington believes any fallout from the strikes can be contained
Netanyahu Hails Trump over Attack Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his reaction to the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, hailed Trump for taking a “bold decision” on Iran.
“Congratulations President Trump, your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu posted.
Background: Conflict Rooted in Israeli Strikes
The current crisis began on June 13 when Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iranian military infrastructure. The assault killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, including intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi, his deputy Hassan Mohaqiq, and multiple nuclear scientists.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli positions, but Israeli forces reportedly crippled Iran’s air defence systems and missile platforms in a sustained aerial campaign.
According to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based organization, at least 950 people have been killed in Iran as a result of Israel’s attacks. In contrast, 27 fatalities have been recorded in Israel from Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Sources: Euro News, Al Jazeera
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.