U.S. strikes Iranian nuclear sites signify new phase in Iran-Israel conflict

Monday 23 June 2025 - 15:35

By: Zahouani Ilham

U.S. strikes Iranian nuclear sites signify new phase in Iran-Israel conflict

In a significant development that could alter the course of the Israel-Iran conflict, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the night of June 22, 2025, the execution of “highly successful” strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities. This move clearly marks Washington’s direct involvement in the confrontation, raising crucial questions about the conflict’s future and the possible regional scenarios ahead.

Political analyst Mohamed Shaqir noted that the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear sites was not unexpected. He emphasized that the United States, particularly under President Trump, had consistently opposed Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump had withdrawn from the nuclear agreement during his first term and maintained a firm stance against Iran developing a nuclear bomb.

Shaqir explained in a statement that after Trump’s re-election, the U.S. gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum to abandon its nuclear demands and comply with American conditions, including halting uranium enrichment and abandoning nuclear weapons development. However, escalating rhetoric from Iran’s foreign minister indicated Tehran’s refusal to accept these terms.

Following Washington’s green light, Israel launched preemptive strikes on the Natanz nuclear facility. Yet, these attacks did not achieve the intended goal of forcing Iran to yield to U.S. demands, prompting the U.S. to take direct military action.

Shaqir added that Washington realized Israeli strikes alone would not curb Iran’s ambitions and might prolong the conflict with dangerous regional consequences. This led to President Trump authorizing the use of advanced fighter jets to strike three major nuclear sites in Iran.

The analyst stressed that these decisive American strikes aim to quickly resolve the conflict and pressure Iran into negotiations from a position of weakness. The U.S. message is clear: there will be no tolerance for further Iranian delay or evasion.

Regarding future scenarios, Shaqir pointed out Iran faces two main options: either escalate the conflict by targeting U.S. aircraft carriers or military bases in the Gulf—which would require support from major powers such as Russia or China—or take calculated steps to preserve dignity without triggering a full regional war.

One possible Iranian move could be to close the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions and threatening the global economy, though this risky choice would require international preparations.

Alternatively, Shaqir sees a scenario where Iran limits itself to measured symbolic strikes and then enters direct or indirect negotiations with Washington in exchange for guarantees against attacks or dismantling of its remaining military capabilities.

Meanwhile, on the night of June 22, 2025, President Trump confirmed the U.S. had carried out a “highly successful” strike on three Iranian nuclear sites.

He added that the attacks targeted the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, declaring “now is the time for peace.”

Trump also noted that American planes dropped a “full payload of bombs” on the Fordow site, and the aircraft returned safely after exiting Iranian airspace.