ISLAMABAD:
Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States, threatening its military bases in the Middle East following a series of US air strikes that Washington claims have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tensions have escalated rapidly, raising international fears of a broader regional conflict.
The strikes, which targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, have drawn criticism from global leaders and triggered protests across Iran.
Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that US bases, and any country facilitating American military actions, would be considered “legitimate targets.”
“America has attacked the heart of the Islamic world and must await irreparable consequences,” he said, as reported by Iran’s official news agency IRNA.
Global Alarm Over Escalating Tensions
The attacks followed a similar bombing campaign launched by Israel earlier this month.
In Washington, President Donald Trump described the strikes on Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz as a “spectacular military success,” suggesting they had dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the programme had been “devastated,” other officials cautioned that Iran may still possess highly enriched uranium.
General Dan Caine added that initial assessments indicated “extremely severe damage” at all three sites.
Despite this, Iranian officials insist the situation is far from over.
Ali Shamkhani, another advisor to Khamenei, warned that nuclear knowledge, materials, and political will remain intact.
Regional Fallout and Civilian Impact
Iran responded by launching missiles at Israeli sites, injuring at least 23 people and damaging infrastructure near Tel Aviv.
In turn, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people across Iran, according to its health ministry.
Local media also reported the deaths of nine members of the Revolutionary Guards.
President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that the US would “receive a response,” while thousands gathered in Tehran to protest the air strikes.
International reactions have been swift, with leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, France, Germany, and the UK urging restraint and warning of a potential “uncontrolled escalation.”
The IAEA confirmed no radiation leaks had been detected but reiterated the dangers of military attacks on nuclear facilities.
Trump, in his social media posts, hinted at regime change, saying Iran must “Make Iran Great Again,” fueling further speculation about US intentions.
Meanwhile, Iran remains defiant, insisting the “game isn’t over.”
