On Saturday evening, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawks struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites — the core of its uranium-enrichment infrastructure. President Trump called the mission a “spectacular success,” announcing all aircraft had safely returned. This marks a major escalation as the U.S. officially joins the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, drawing global attention to the possibility of wider war in the region.
Here’s what exactly happened and what could follow next.
Why Washington Pulled the Trigger
U.S. officials say the strike was intended to “halt Iran’s sprint toward a bomb” and restore deterrence, especially after Israel’s campaign failed to take out deeply buried targets. Critics, however, warn the strike could backfire, entrenching Iran’s hardliners and igniting a broader conflict. The operation comes amid rising tensions and bipartisan pressure to show strength — but the long-term costs are still unknown.
Targets: Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan Explained
Each facility struck plays a unique role in Iran’s nuclear program. Fordow is buried deep under rock near Qom and designed to withstand airstrikes. Natanz is Iran’s primary enrichment hub with thousands of centrifuges. Isfahan handles conversion of uranium to gas. U.S. forces used 30,000-lb bunker-buster bombs to penetrate these hardened facilities, signaling a major display of military capability.
Despite the move, Iran still has a 14% chance of possessing nuclear weapons by the end of the year, according to prediction market platform Polymarket.
Iran’s Immediate Response
Tehran confirmed the bombings and threatened to expel International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. The regime condemned the attack, describing it as “outrageous and violation of international law, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They also framed the attacks as evidence that the US and Israel are pursuing regime change.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared that Iran “reserves all options to defend itself” and warned that the strikes would have “everlasting consequences.”
No radiation leaks have been reported, but the rhetorical tone has shifted sharply, with Iranian leaders promising retaliation in due time.
Israel Cheers, Region Fears
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the strikes as historic, claiming a strategic victory over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, key regional players like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey expressed concern, warning the move could ignite instability.
Could Iran Strike Back?
Iran’s retaliation options range from attacks on U.S. bases and Naval assets in the region, including bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald Ford and USS Nimitz are high-priority targets.
The could also choose to disrupt critical shipping lanes by closing the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates 30% of global oil shipments. The odds of Iran doing just that have surged to 50%.
Beyond that, Iran could turn to asymmetric options such as cyberattacks or strikes on Gulf oil facilities, warns the Atlantic Council.
In fact, there’s a 40% chance that Iran will strike Gulf oil facilities by September.
Prediction Markets Flash Red
On Polymarket, the contract “Will the U.S. take military action against Iran by July?” spiked from 63% to 99% after the bombs dropped. Another market — predicting a formal U.S. declaration of war — still trades below 10%, suggesting traders expect escalation without full-scale war. The odds will continue shifting based on headlines, retaliation, and diplomatic developments.
Diplomacy on Life Support
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session. Russia and China condemned the U.S. strike and called for an immediate cease-fire. The U.S. warned of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. European diplomats are racing to revive backchannel talks before the conflict spreads further. Most experts agree that the diplomatic window is closing rapidly.
U.S. Politics: Rally or Backlash?
Most Republican leaders praised President Trump’s decision, framing it as a necessary show of strength. But a growing chorus of Democrats — and some libertarian-leaning Republicans — are pushing back, arguing that Trump bypassed Congress and violated the War Powers Act. Keep in mind a faction of Trump’s base is almost isolationist, and certainly opposes the move.
What Happens If Iran Retaliates?
As discussed earlier, several escalation paths loom. Iran could use Hezbollah or militias to attack Israel or U.S. troops. It might target oil tankers in the Gulf or try to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Each move risks drawing in additional global powers. NATO, already on high alert, could be forced to respond. The world is watching for Iran’s next move — and it could come fast.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The U.S. State Department upgraded travel advisories to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) for Iran, Israel, and several Gulf states. Companies with operations in the region are reviewing contingency plans. Analysts suggest daily monitoring of energy prices, cyber threats, and shipping routes as the risk landscape shifts by the hour. This crisis is still unfolding — and far from over.
