Department of Research, Studies and International News 23-06-2025

Late on Saturday, the United States, under then‑President Donald Trump, unleashed a devastating air campaign against three Iranian nuclear installations, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Branded “Operation Midnight Hammer,” the strikes carried out by stealth B‑2 bombers dropping bunker‑buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles from submarines, represent the clearest sign yet of America’s full alignment with Israel’s campaign, and a stark demonstration of United States’ willingness to violate sovereign borders under the guise of halting Tehran’s “nuclear ambitions” (businessinsider.com).

In a televised address, Trump declared that Iran’s enrichment infrastructure had been “completely obliterated” and threatened fresh strikes unless Tehran bowed to American demands (thetimes.co.uk). The Pentagon emphasized the operation had delivered a “spectacular military success” (businessinsider.com), yet independent analyses caution the impact may be limited and warning that such unilateral aggression risks igniting full-scale regional war (ft.com).

Iranian officials condemned the bombings as a blatant breach of international law. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of trampling the UN Charter and the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty, calling the strikes a “grave violation” with “everlasting consequences” (theguardian.com). Tehran had evacuated nuclear‑site staff ahead of time, suggesting knowledge of an imminent strike, but insisted its nuclear programme would endure.

United Nations and global voice of reason

UN Secretary‑General António Guterres voiced grave alarm, calling the strikes a “dangerous escalation” that threatens global peace and urged immediate de‑escalation, diplomacy, and adherence to international law (apnews.com).

Axis of resistance rallies behind Iran

Russia and China denounced the strikes vigorously. Moscow said U.S. aggression flagrantly violated UN principles and international law, while China warned the strikes “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” calling for immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue .

Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis echoed that sentiment. Hezbollah termed the action “barbaric, reckless” and evidence of U.S.-Israeli complicity in regional instability . Hamas called it a blatant violation of international norms, “in strongest terms” (aljazeera.com). The Houthis linked the strikes to unrestrained U.S. support for Israel and affirmed Iran’s “path of resistance” would remain undeterred .

Regional alarm bells and pleas for restraint

Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, expressed deep concern. Riyadh urged restraint and regional de‑escalation; Doha warned of potentially “catastrophic consequences”; Muscat denounced the bombings and called for an immediate political resolution .

Iraq’s government cautioned that U.S. airstrikes jeopardize regional stability; Oman, which has helped mediate nuclear negotiations, strongly condemned the move (thedailystar.net).

Western support and opposition

Israel praised the strikes, Prime Minister Netanyahu lauded Trump’s “awesome and righteous might” as history‑making . The UK, France, Germany, and the EU publicly urged caution. UK’s Keir Starmer urged Iran back to the table; EU’s Kaja Kallas called for de‑escalation; France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and others supported diplomacy over destruction .

In the U.S., Democrats rapidly condemned Trump’s unilateral military operation as unconstitutional and heedless of congressional authority. House Minority Leader Jeffries called the strikes a dangerous redirect toward war, bearing “complete responsibility” for escalation (theaustralian.com.au).

Risks and next steps

Though satellite imagery shows “significant” structural damage, Iran refutes claims of nuclear setback, radioactive data show no leaks, and Tehran vows its program will continue . Analysts caution the attack may inadvertently prompt Tehran to accelerate uranium enrichment as a defensive measure, potentially undermining the U.S.’ stated goal (ft.com).

Meanwhile, global markets teeter under the threat of closure in the Strait of Hormuz, should Iran retaliate, and the spectre of broader conflict looms as fighters, missiles, and proxy forces square off across the region.

Summary

• S. joins Israel in bombing Iran’s top nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan, in a dramatic escalation.
• Iran, Russia, China, and the resistance axis decry the strikes as illegal aggression and stand firm.
• Global calls for restraint and diplomacy intensify; Western nations split between praise and panic.
• Real effects remain unclear, satellite evidence shows damage, but Iran promises resilience, and diplomatic options dwindle.

The Middle East edges closer to conflagration, with mounting warnings against unchecked U.S. military intervention