Iran’s leadership swiftly condemned the attacks. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that Iranian forces had full freedom of action to respond. Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi warned of a “tough response,” and newly appointed President Masoud Pezeshkian promised that Iran’s retaliation would make Israel “regret its actions.”
Following the confirmed death of General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and the reported killing of IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Khamenei appointed Abdolrahim Mousavi as the new Chief of Staff and named Mohammad Pakpour as the new head of the IRGC.
International Fallout and Warnings The international response was immediate. The IAEA confirmed that the Natanz facility was struck but noted that radiation levels remain unchanged. An emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors has been scheduled at the request of Venezuela and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, urging the global community to condemn Israel and take concrete action. Russia condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and warned of escalating tensions with potential nuclear implications. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated the threat of nuclear conflict is “real and fast.” The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq also issued strong condemnations, with Qatar’s Prime Minister warning that Israel’s “reckless actions” were destroying any prospects for peace in the region. The European Union has begun securing its personnel across the Middle East. Germany, while calling for de-escalation, noted that the events threaten broader diplomatic efforts in the region, including the two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel: “This is Just the Beginning” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the operation would continue, with the stated goal of neutralizing existential threats to Israel. The IDF also claimed to have damaged the underground enrichment complex at Natanz, targeting critical infrastructure tied to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.Simultaneously, Israel reported intercepting multiple drones launched from Iran toward its territory, indicating an immediate military response from Tehran was already underway.
Unconfirmed reports suggest U.S. approval or at least tacit support for the operation. Israeli officials told Axios that Washington gave a “green light” for the strikes, though publicly, the UK and NATO distanced themselves, calling for de-escalation. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance is not involved in the operation but emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement. Trump Reacts: “They Are All Dead Now” U.S. President Donald Trump posted a provocative message on Truth Social, claiming that he had given Iran “chance after chance” to make a deal. He added, “Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now.” Trump’s post drew widespread criticism for inflaming an already volatile situation. What Comes Next?With hundreds reportedly injured, nuclear sites struck, and key Iranian commanders killed, the Middle East is bracing for further escalation. Analysts warn that a retaliatory strike by Iran could trigger a broader conflict, drawing in regional and global powers.
The situation remains fluid, and multiple nations are now actively urging restraint and calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider war. All eyes are on Tehran’s next move—and whether Israel intends to expand the campaign further.