Monday, 25 May 2026
U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities prompt Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point as Iran confirmed that U.S. forces launched airstrikes on several of its nuclear installations. In swift response, Tehran closed the critically important Strait of Hormuz and warned Washington of imminent retaliation, according to TNN.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the start of a new chapter in the conflict, declaring that all U.S. military and civilian interests across the region now fall within their range. The IRGC further cautioned that European naval vessels would be unable to return home if they intervened, placing the entire area under heightened alert.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei harshly condemned the attacks, labeling them as duplicitous actions concealed behind the guise of diplomacy. He asserted that the United States had instigated a confrontation that would ultimately inflict more harm on itself than on Iran.
Iranian authorities reported that the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities were struck in the coordinated U.S. offensive. Heavy damage was inflicted at Fordow, where B-2 bombers dropped over 30 tons of explosives. At the same time, U.S. submarines launched approximately 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from international waters, aiming at other high-value targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the operation, describing it as a “historic milestone” for global security. He commended American forces, claimed the strike strengthened Israeli security, and voiced hope that Iran would reconsider its position and return to negotiations.
U.S. reports stated that President Trump consulted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before and after the strikes. Both leaders reportedly decided against launching further attacks at this time. Trump lauded Netanyahu’s leadership and characterized the mission as a joint achievement.
Netanyahu, in his statement, applauded Trump’s decision, stating it had transformed history’s trajectory and highlighted the unmatched strength of American military might.
Reacting swiftly to the assault, Iran demanded an emergency session of the UN Security Council, denouncing the operation as a clear breach of its sovereignty. Tehran called on international organizations to hold those responsible accountable under the UN Charter.
Iranian officials maintained that all nuclear sites had been evacuated before the attack, ensuring no radioactive material remained on-site. Fordow sustained structural damage to its tunnels, while Natanz and Isfahan experienced similarly targeted long-range strikes.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels near the targeted facilities remained normal. Nuclear regulators in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations also found no evidence of radioactive contamination.
Officials reassured residents, particularly those living near Fordow in Qom province, that there was no danger to public health. A local parliamentarian stated emergency inspections revealed no contamination. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reiterated its commitment to peaceful nuclear development, honoring the scientists who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s program.