Stealth strike: Iran hit, diplomacy dies

Tensions in the Middle East dramatically escalated after the United States joined Israel in launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

In the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, American B-2 stealth bombers targeted three key nuclear sites in Iran – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – using advanced bunker-buster munitions.

These strikes, executed in coordination with the Israeli military, came earlier than anticipated by international observers, who believed the action was still a week away.

Iran responded sharply to the aggression.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to those involved in the strikes, declaring that Iran would deliver a severe and regret-inducing response.

Araghchi emphasized that these attacks would not go unanswered and accused the United States of flagrantly violating international law.

US President Donald Trump, who announced the strikes shortly after they occurred, addressed the situation with a combative tone.

He called on Iran to agree to end the conflict but warned that any retaliation against the US would provoke a response “far greater” than the bombing witnessed on Sunday.

Trump stated that the full payload of bombs was successfully delivered to the targeted nuclear sites, and the B-2 bombers were returning safely to the United States.

The long-range B-2 stealth aircraft reportedly departed from a military base in Missouri, undertaking a 37-hour round trip to strike Iranian territory.

The operation included multiple mid-air refueling sessions.

According to reports from US officials quoted by The New York Times, each B-2 jet—valued at approximately $2 billion—traveled over 11,400 kilometers for the mission.

The primary targets, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, are known to be central to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the joint US-Israeli action as a betrayal of diplomacy.

Speaking to the press, he asserted that the United States had not only deceived Iran but had also misled its own citizens by opting for military aggression over dialogue.

He insisted that Washington’s actions represented a complete abandonment of negotiation and diplomacy.

In his words, it was no longer meaningful to ask Tehran to return to the negotiating table, as the United States had proven it only respects threats and force.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Araghchi described the attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as a major escalation, crossing what he termed a “very big red line.”

The strikes, he argued, represented an unprovoked act of aggression, placing full responsibility for the consequences squarely on the shoulders of the United States government.

In a separate statement, Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed the coordination between American and Israeli forces during the strikes.

He noted that assessments were ongoing to determine the extent of the damage inflicted on the Iranian facilities.

Meanwhile, Araghchi announced plans to travel to Moscow later that same day for high-level consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He described the Iran-Russia relationship as a strategic partnership, underlining their history of diplomatic alignment.

Araghchi indicated that Iran and Russia would engage in serious discussions in response to the US-led attacks.

The Russian government condemned the US strikes in strong terms, labeling them as “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law.”

Moscow’s criticism underscores growing international concern about the potential fallout from further escalation in the region.

As the situation develops, global leaders and observers are closely watching for Iran’s next move.

Whether Tehran opts for a retaliatory military response, increased diplomatic engagement with allies like Russia, or a combination of both, the region appears to be on the brink of a much wider conflict.

The attacks have significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, drawing in major powers and raising fears of a prolonged war with international ramifications.

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