U.S. forces struck Iran’s core nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on the night of June 22. President Trump called the attacks a “spectacular military success,” saying the sites were “completely and totally obliterated.”
Iran’s leadership responded with fury, warning that any assault on its nuclear infrastructure would spark an “all‑out war” across the region. Foreign Minister Araghchi called such an attack “one of the biggest historical mistakes.”
Tehran also signalled a dramatic escalation, hinting that it “may” shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. While it hasn’t closed the passage yet, experts view the threat as strategic leverage.
When Iran attacked, Israel suffered serious damage. Soroka Hospital in Beersheba was hit and around 240 Israelis were injured. In return, Israel unleashed its air force against Iran’s nuclear and military bases.
Global oil markets reacted instantly. Prices rose over 10 percent, the highest spike since January, as traders feared disruption through Hormuz. U.S. stock indices fell: the Dow dropped 1.8 percent.
Analysts note that even a brief closure of the strait could push oil up by 50 percent, but any disruption may be short-lived due to swift military responses and existing market buffers.
President Trump did not stop here. He pledged that further U.S. strikes stand ready if Iran refuses diplomacy and called for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender” on its nuclear programme.
Still, Washington paused broader action. Trump granted a two‑week window for talks in Geneva, expressing concerns about inciting chaos similar to post‑Libya instability. Senior officials suggested exploring diplomatic off‑ramps.
Top diplomats and energy leaders sounded urgent calls for restraint. NATO’s secretary and the International Atomic Energy Agency urged de‑escalation, stressing that targeting nuclear facilities risked widespread consequences.
Shell, among other energy companies, warned that a closed Hormuz could severely disrupt global trade. The company is assembling contingency plans to manage such a crisis.
Experts say a wider war could follow if Iran closes the strait. RAND’s Ryan Crocker warns Iran might retaliate against oil infrastructure or U.S. assets in the region, forcing a major American response.
This confrontation also threatens nuclear diplomacy. Iran suspended indirect talks with the U.S., and IAEA inspections may be halted, casting doubt on any attempt to contain enrichment levels.
The world now watches closely. With military forces repositioned, ships patrolling the Gulf, and economies sensitive to oil shocks, all eyes turn to Tehran’s next move—and America’s. Will cooler heads prevail?
If the Strait of Hormuz closes and diplomatic options dry up, the Middle East may be plunged into a conflict far deeper and more dangerous than any seen in recent decades.
