Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Iran warned that America’s recent attacks on its nuclear facilities have broadened the range of legitimate targets for Iranian forces. This warning came just as US President Donald Trump doubled down on his push for what he calls a “new Iran.”
Speaking on Monday, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, called out Trump directly. “Mr. Trump, the gambler — you may start this war, but we will be the ones to finish it,” he said in a video message broadcast on local channels.
The exchange of threats follows back-to-back air and missile strikes between Iran and Israel, while the world watches closely to see how Tehran might retaliate after the American bombing of its nuclear sites over the weekend.
Latest satellite images suggest the strike on the heavily fortified Fordow plant caused major damage deep underground, likely hitting advanced uranium enrichment equipment, although Iranian officials insist the country’s nuclear program remains intact and peaceful.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, President Trump boasted about the operation’s success, claiming massive destruction at Iran’s key nuclear sites. “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!” he wrote, adding, “If the current Iranian regime can’t MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, then why wouldn’t there be a regime change? MIGA!!!”
This remark stands in contrast to assurances from Trump’s own team. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both publicly insisted that Washington does not seek to topple Iran’s government — but critics say Trump’s words could further inflame the crisis.
‘Operation Midnight’
US military officials confirmed that the strikes, carried out under the code name “Operation Midnight,” involved B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropping dozens of precision-guided bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Iran responded within hours by firing waves of missiles at Israeli cities, causing injuries and significant damage in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said no radiation leaks have been detected so far, but full damage assessments are ongoing.
Israel expands its strikes
Adding to the chaos, the Israeli military confirmed fresh air raids on at least six airports inside Iran, targeting runways, hangars, fuel depots, and aircraft. Israel claimed to have destroyed multiple Iranian planes and helicopters, aiming to ground Iran’s air force.
In Israel itself, fresh missile sirens rang out across central and southern regions, including in Jerusalem, forcing lawmakers in the Knesset to take shelter as Iranian rockets landed nearby.
Global leaders, including the IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, have called for maximum restraint and a return to negotiations, warning that any further escalation could drag the region into a catastrophic war.
