23.06.2025 08:30
A retaliation from Iran is expected following the U.S. airstrikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities. The attacks have escalated tensions in the region to the highest level. Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's advisor, Shamkhani, stated that U.S. bases are "legitimate targets."
After the United States announced that it had carried out airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, a retaliation from Iran is expected.
Regarding the attack, Trump stated, "We have completed our extremely successful attack on three nuclear facilities in Iran." Emphasizing that the aircraft involved in the bombardment exited Iranian airspace, Trump said, "We dropped a bomb with full capacity on the Fordow nuclear facility." The U.S. military targeted some of Iran's most critical nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. American officials indicated that B-2 bombers were involved in the attacks.
IRAN: U.S. BASES ARE LEGITIMATE TARGETS
While these attacks escalate tensions in the region, Iran's moves are being closely watched. Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's advisor, Shamkhani, stated that the U.S. bases used in the attacks are "legitimate targets."
"IRAN'S RETALIATION MAY BE LIMITED"
The British broadcasting corporation BBC reported that after the U.S. conveyed that it did not seek regime change, Iran's retaliation might also be limited. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards stated, "Washington has positioned itself directly at the forefront of aggression by attacking peaceful facilities."
The BBC highlighted that U.S. military personnel, citizens, and workplaces in the Middle East have become potential targets. The U.S. has around 40,000 to 50,000 troops at nearly 20 locations in the region, including large permanent bases and smaller forward operating sites. Most of these bases are within the range of Iran's ballistic missiles.
"BASES IN IRAQ AND SYRIA AT THE TOP OF THE ATTACK LIST"
The British Daily Telegraph reported that bases in Iraq and Syria are at the top of the attack list. It was noted that American soldiers would have to prepare within minutes in the event of a possible attack on the bases. There are also discussions about the possibility of Iran activating its proxy forces in the region. It is said that Hezbollah, Hamas, Shiite militias in Iraq, and Houthis in Yemen could launch attacks on U.S. targets. It is also mentioned that the Houthis, who announced the end of their previous agreement, might target U.S. ships in the Red Sea.
ANOTHER ATTACK OPTION: STRAIT OF HORMUZ
One of Iran's attack options is the Strait of Hormuz. It is said that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world's oil shipments pass, by laying mines. With no alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, there are concerns about a spike in oil prices. The U.S. is taking precautions against this possibility. A second aircraft carrier has been sent to the region. F-22 and F-35 aircraft have also been deployed to protect the bases. The New York Times reported that the message Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will deliver will clarify what Iran's retaliation will be. However, it was noted that Khamenei is in a bunker or that his electronic communications are cut off, making it difficult for him to address the public.
ISRAEL-IRAN WAR
On June 13, Israel carried out extensive attacks targeting not only nuclear facilities in various Iranian cities but also the military's high command. The Chief of Staff, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and several senior commanders, along with nine nuclear scientists, were killed in the attacks. The Iranian Ministry of Health announced on June 21 that the total civilian death toll from Israeli attacks was 430, with more than 3,500 injured. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office reported that 24 people were killed and 1,272 were injured in the retaliations carried out by the Iranian military. The U.S. participated in the attacks on Iran by launching bunker-busting bombs on three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22.