US and Iran enter new phase of conflict More coordinates, fewer words 

Immediately after the US strike on targets in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, the situation in the Middle East entered a fundamentally new phase. The American side declares a “spectacular military success,” however Iran, its allies, and several international organisations view the event as a direct violation of international law and the beginning of an open conflict, the consequences of which go far beyond bilateral tensions.

President Donald Trump posted another message on social media: in a statement published on Truth Social, he warned that any retaliatory attack from Iran would be met with “force far greater than” that already demonstrated. This is a direct indication of readiness for further military escalation.

While the U.S. President sets the tone, American media are revealing some of the details. According to CNN, citing a source within the presidential administration, the operation involved B-2 strategic bombers, six of which dropped twelve GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, each weighing over 13 tonnes. These munitions are designed to destroy deeply buried and heavily fortified underground facilities and contain 2.7 tonnes of explosives. Simultaneously, 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from U.S. submarines targeting facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. Additionally, two more bombs were used in a follow-up strike on Natanz. The strikes hit three key components of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Immediately after the release of this information, a process of informational dilution began. Iranian state media were quick to portray the strike as “partial” damage, limiting the scope of the consequences to a couple of technical tunnels. A representative of the city administration in Qom confirmed the strike but claimed that “the situation is completely calm.” Internet access in Iran was restricted under the pretext of “cyberattacks,” effectively blocking the flow of video footage from the impact zone.

Meanwhile, amid official silence from Ayatollah Khamenei, a strong statement was made by Hossein Shariatmadari — the influential editor-in-chief of Kayhan, a newspaper that often conveys signals on behalf of the Supreme Leader’s inner circle. He explicitly called for missile strikes on U.S. naval vessels based in Bahrain and simultaneously for closing the Strait of Hormuz to Western ships. While unofficial, his remarks have been interpreted as a possible projection of a line forming within Khamenei’s close circle.

The response was not long in coming. The Israeli army reported that Iranian missiles had been launched at its territory, prompting the deployment of air force units and missile interception systems. According to the Magen David Adom emergency service, at least 16 people were injured as a result of the strikes. Sirens were activated across Israel, bomb shelters opened, and civilians were urged to follow Home Front Command instructions.

Iran, for its part, confirmed the launch of another — the 20th — wave of missile strikes against Israel. Reports indicate the use of ballistic missiles with both liquid- and solid-fuel boosters, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Ben Gurion Airport.

Alongside Iran’s military response, its regional proxies are beginning to mobilise. Yemen’s Houthis announced their readiness to attack U.S. forces in the Red Sea. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared that the truce with Washington was no longer valid and that American warships would be the next targets. This statement effectively opens a second operational front — this time in the southern Red Sea, a critical zone for global trade and strategic communications.

Amid rising tensions, Iran accused the United States of violating the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the UN Charter, and international law. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Washington’s actions “outrageous” and stressed that Tehran reserves the right to take all forms of retaliatory measures in self-defence. He also accused the IAEA of inaction and expressed hope for international condemnation of the incident.

The IAEA, for its part, stated that it had not recorded any increase in radiation levels beyond the facilities that were struck.

The situation stands as follows: the United States has delivered a devastating blow to nuclear infrastructure that had long been considered untouchable. In response, Iran has activated strikes against Israel, regional allies are threatening attacks on U.S. forces, and the diplomatic arena is witnessing mounting fragmentation and fear. Fewer words are spoken — and more coordinates are transmitted through the air.