Missiles have the last word? Air defences in action, diplomats in the shadows

Following the United States’ strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities — the consequences of which are still being assessed by experts — a predictable yet no less alarming turn of events has unfolded. Tehran has declared a new escalation, invoking the “right to self-defence,” while Washington shows determination to carry its deterrence strategy through to the end.

According to Iran’s NourNews agency, the Shahid Sadoughi military base and the Shahid Dashti power plant in Yazd Province were targeted in the attack. Explosions were also reported near the city of Bushehr. Local sources say that “air defence systems engaged unidentified targets” over Tehran, Tabriz, and Damavand.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a sharply worded statement, promising that Iran’s response to the U.S. strikes “will cause deep regret” for the attackers. The IRGC has, in effect, announced the next act of war. The Iranian side insists that the U.S. actions amount to aggression, entitling it to retaliate — even “beyond the delusional calculations” of its adversaries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the space for diplomacy is rapidly narrowing. His remarks reflect not only disappointment but also a clear recognition of the limit: Tehran is exhausting the potential of diplomatic leverage. Araghchi accused the United States of dismantling dialogue, claiming that Washington has “blown up” the diplomatic efforts undertaken both through European contacts and in previous rounds with the American side. He also stressed that talks have been held with several regional countries, but steering the process back onto a diplomatic track is becoming increasingly difficult.

Against this backdrop, several Arab nations — including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Qatar — have voiced concern over U.S. actions. While the wording ranges from outright condemnation to more cautiously worded diplomatic statements, the overall sentiment is clear: the region fears a new wave of instability. Particularly notable was the statement from Saudi Arabia — a U.S. ally — which unequivocally labelled Washington’s actions as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for restraint. “We express deep concern over the further deterioration of [the] situation following the military actions by the United States targeting nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint, refrain from further escalation, and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to address existing problems,” the statement from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry read.

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Israel continues to assess the aftermath of the U.S. operation. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed that the army is analysing the damage inflicted in Fordow, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the U.S. strike as a “historic and bold step.” Although neither Tel Aviv nor Washington has provided clear answers about the next phase, Herzog’s comments leave no doubt: coordination between the allies was close.

In response, Iran has intensified its rhetoric. The IRNA news agency quoted President Masoud Pezeshkian as saying that the U.S. strikes confirmed “who is truly behind Israeli aggression.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaking at a briefing, stated that the operation was a “strong and unequivocal” order from the Commander-in-Chief. He stressed that Iran’s nuclear programme was “eliminated” without strikes on Iranian troops or civilian targets — a key point in the U.S. messaging clearly aimed at the international community.

According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the American military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities, carried out on Saturday, achieved the desired effect. He noted that a full damage assessment is still ongoing, but preliminary data suggests that the strike on the underground nuclear centre in Fordow destroyed key capabilities.

“The battle damage assessment is ongoing, but our initial assessment, as the chairman said, is that all of our precision munitions struck where we wanted them to strike and had the desired effect,” Hegseth said. He also issued a warning: “It would be a very bad idea for Iran or its proxies to attempt to attack American forces.”

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided further details about the strike, codenamed Midnight Hammer. He revealed that seven B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bombers were deployed in the U.S. operation on Iranian nuclear sites, which had been announced earlier by President Donald Trump.

“Iran’s fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran’s surface-to-air missile systems did not see us. Throughout the mission, we retained the element of surprise,” emphasised General Dan Caine.

He noted the operation was the result of long preparation and executed under strict secrecy.

Kane added it is “too early” to say whether Iran retains some nuclear capabilities, as the assessment is ongoing. He also highlighted that the U.S. is taking proactive measures to protect its forces in the region.

Thus, tensions have reached a new peak. The conflict is moving beyond pinpoint strikes into a multi-dimensional struggle — informational, economic, and military. All sides are playing a high-stakes game, yet the ultimate goal remains unclear. None can afford to lose, which means the next moves may be even bolder and more unpredictable.