Israel Launches Fresh Strike on Iran’s Underground Fordo Nuclear Facility

The US and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordo. In response, Iran has fired missiles at Israel and warned of severe retaliation. Here’s the latest update on the deepening Middle East crisis.

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear facility has once again come under attack—this time reportedly by Israeli airstrikes. The assault follows a major US military operation on Sunday targeting Iran’s key nuclear sites, signaling a new and perilous chapter in the long-standing standoff between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv.

Iran has responded swiftly, launching missile and drone strikes on Israel while warning the United States that its forces are now “legitimate targets.” As global markets tremble and international airlines cancel routes, the world watches with growing anxiety.

Fordo Under Fire: Second Strike in Two Days

Iranian state television confirmed on Monday that the Fordo nuclear enrichment site—deeply buried in the mountains near Qom—was attacked once again. While the report did not attribute responsibility or confirm the extent of the damage, global experts suggest that the use of bunker-buster bombs by the United States has likely caused “very heavy damage.”

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog echoed the concern, warning that Fordo may have been critically compromised.

Trump Raises ‘Regime Change’ Question

Former US President Donald Trump, whose administration ordered the strikes, took to his social media platform to hint at broader ambitions, posting:

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!”

However, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the military mission was “a precision operation” aimed solely at Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—not a push for regime change.

Iran’s Fierce Retaliation: Operation “True Promise 3”

In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Iranian state media confirmed the strikes are part of “Operation True Promise 3”—a direct response to what Tehran has labeled a “declaration of war” by the US and Israel.

Israel’s advanced air defense systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow interceptors, are actively engaging the incoming threats, with citizens being urged to seek shelter.

US Troops Now in Crosshairs

Iran’s elite Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command warned that all American military assets in the region are now legitimate targets. In a chilling video message, spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned:

“Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it.”

This declaration signals a dangerous expansion of the conflict that could entangle American forces in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf.

Israeli Military Claims Progress, Loses Drone

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported downing missile launchers in western Iran and confirmed one of its drones was shot down during operations inside Iranian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed:

“We are very close to achieving our goals in eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.”

Iranian Parliament Considers Exit from UN Watchdog

Amid the rising military tensions, Iran’s Parliament is also moving to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA). Lawmakers argue that the agency has become a “political tool” and failed to protect Iran’s nuclear sovereignty.

Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf clarified, however, that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons:

“Tehran is committed to peaceful development, but cannot accept biased oversight.”

Executions and Intelligence War Intensify

Iran has also executed Mohammadamin Shayesteh, who was convicted of collaborating with Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. He was reportedly leading a cyber-espionage cell targeting Iran’s strategic installations.

This execution further underscores the deepening shadow war between the two nations, now spilling into overt military action.

Air Travel Disrupted, Oil Prices Surge

The fallout from the strikes has already begun to ripple globally. Oil prices soared by nearly 3%, hitting five-month highs, while major airlines canceled flights through the region.

Air France, KLM, and British Airways suspended operations to destinations like Dubai and Riyadh. Singapore Airlines described the situation as “fluid,” while some flights cautiously resumed on Monday.

UN Sounds Alarm Over ‘Perilous Turn’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the region stands on the brink of uncontrolled escalation:

“The people of the Middle East cannot endure another cycle of destruction. The bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities marks a perilous turn. We risk falling into a rathole of retaliation.”

Guterres urged all sides to return to the negotiating table, warning that diplomacy is the only viable path forward.

Conclusion: A Region on Edge

As Iran and Israel continue to trade blows and the US military posture hardens, fears of a full-scale regional war are mounting. While Tehran promises vengeance and Washington doubles down on deterrence, millions of lives hang in the balance.

The international community must act swiftly—before this spirals into a catastrophic conflict with far-reaching consequences for global peace, security, and stability.