In a dramatic escalation of tensions, US B-2 bombers conducted a nighttime raid on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility on June 22, 2025, launching Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) in what the US president called a “spectacular” victory. However, Iranian officials quickly disputed American claims about the extent of damage inflicted.
According to Mannan Raisi, an Iranian Parliament member from Qom, the damage was largely superficial, affecting only above-ground structures that can be restored. He noted there were no fatalities at the facility and no nuclear emissions, contradicting US assertions about Fordow’s destruction.
The attack has drawn widespread criticism for violating multiple international agreements, including the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It has also raised concerns among Global South nations about Western military aggression against non-nuclear states.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded swiftly with multiple waves of missile strikes against Israeli targets. The attacks targeted new locations including Ashdod port and power station, with Israeli missile defense systems reportedly intercepting less than half of the incoming projectiles. The strikes caused widespread disruption, including power outages and the grounding of flights.
Tehran has now expanded its target list to include major Israeli cities and installations, demonstrating its capability to strike throughout Israel with various missile systems. However, Iran appears to be pursuing a strategy of measured response rather than full-scale war with the United States.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains Iran’s most powerful deterrent, as such action could trigger a global economic crisis by disrupting over 20% of world oil supplies. According to a former Deep State source, Chinese opposition to closing the strait influenced US decision-making regarding the bombing.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which concluded just before the attack, Russian President Putin expressed support for Iran’s legitimate interests, including peaceful nuclear energy use. He indicated that Russia had previously offered to enhance Iran’s air defenses, though this offer wasn’t accepted at the time.
The attack appears aimed at broader strategic objectives beyond Iran’s nuclear program. As economic analyst Michael Hudson explains, controlling Iran is crucial for US interests in multiple ways: it would help maintain dollar hegemony, disrupt China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and limit Russian access to southern trade routes.
The timing of the attack, following immediately after the successful St. Petersburg forum where numerous Global South nations participated and deals worth $80 billion were signed, suggests an attempt to reassert Western dominance as alternative economic alliances grow stronger.
The Iranian foreign minister highlighted his country’s consistent diplomatic engagement, noting that Iran remained at the negotiating table while others abandoned diplomacy. The attack may push Iran to reconsider its security arrangements, potentially leading to closer alignment with Russia and China within the BRICS framework.
Russia’s UN representative Vasily Nebenzya warned that the US actions have “opened Pandora’s box,” with unpredictable consequences for global stability. The situation continues to evolve as Iran weighs its response options and international alliances adjust to this
significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.