Tehran: Iran on Sunday issued a stern warning to US bases in the Middle East following a series of extensive air strikes that Washington claims have dismantled Tehran’s nuclear program. However, certain officials have cautioned that the full extent of the damage remains uncertain. The international community has expressed concern over the potential for these unprecedented US attacks to exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region, especially in light of Israel’s recent bombing campaign against Iran.
According to France24.com, Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicated that US military bases could be targeted in a retaliatory response. Velayati emphasized on social media that the military success achieved by removing the threat of a nuclear bomb from Iran’s arsenal was significant. Meanwhile, the US President hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, suggesting on his Truth Social platform that if the current regime cannot “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN,” it might be time for a change.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a Pentagon press briefing, declared that Iran’s nuclear program had been “devastated” by the operation, which he insisted did not target Iranian troops or civilians. General Dan Caine, standing alongside Hegseth, noted that while it is too early to fully assess the damage, initial reports suggest severe destruction at all three targeted sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military strikes would conclude once Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities are thoroughly dismantled. He assured reporters that the objectives were nearly achieved.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian joined the defiant rhetoric, promising a response to the US and Israeli attacks. Protests erupted in central Tehran, with citizens waving flags and chanting slogans against the assaults. In Semnan province, residents expressed shock and concern over the strikes, despite being far from the actual nuclear facilities.
The US administration, represented by Vice President JD Vance, claimed victory in significantly setting back Iran’s nuclear ambitions, though acknowledged that Iran still possesses highly enriched uranium. Vance suggested future efforts would focus on managing this stockpile to prevent it from being weaponized.
Despite the reported destruction of nuclear sites, Ali Shamkhani, another advisor to Khamenei, stated on X that Iran’s enriched materials and indigenous knowledge remain intact, ensuring that the “game isn’t over.”
In an emergency meeting, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi informed the UN Security Council of visible craters at the Fordo facility, although the underground damage assessment remains pending. He also warned of potential radiation leaks, although none had been detected thus far.
The risk of retaliation remains high, with Iran’s armed forces responding by targeting sites in Israel, including an attack near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport. Israeli strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with Iran’s health ministry reporting over 400 deaths from the ongoing conflict, while Iran’s attacks on Israel have resulted in 24 fatalities.
French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside leaders from Germany and the UK, urged restraint, calling on Iran to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.