Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States following a series of airstrikes on its nuclear facilities over the weekend, declaring that the attacks have expanded the scope of “legitimate targets” for its armed forces. The Iranian military also branded U.S. President Donald Trump a “gambler” for aligning with Israel in its escalating military campaign.
In a televised video statement, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, warned of severe consequences.
“Mr. Trump, the gambler — you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” he said, concluding his statement in English.
The warning comes as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to intensify. The latest confrontation began after the U.S. launched strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow facility, using more than 75 precision-guided munitions and Tomahawk missiles.
Commercial satellite images suggest significant damage to the Fordow plant, located deep underground and known for housing uranium-enriching centrifuges. However, the extent of the destruction remains unconfirmed. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no change in off-site radiation levels and said further assessment is needed to understand the full impact.
U.S. President Trump, meanwhile, claimed the strikes caused “monumental damage” and declared on social media: “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”
He also warned Iran against retaliation, suggesting that any further response would trigger even harsher U.S. action. “Iran must now make peace — or future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, with reports of injuries and infrastructure damage in Tel Aviv. However, Iran has so far refrained from directly targeting U.S. military installations or attempting to block the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil supplies pass.
Military analysts warn that any Iranian attempt to close the strait could spark a wider conflict with the U.S. Navy, whose Fifth Fleet is stationed in Bahrain. Such a move would also likely send oil prices soaring and disrupt the global economy.
Oil markets have already reacted sharply, with prices reaching their highest levels since January amid fears of broader regional escalation.
While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the confrontation has sparked fresh international concern about the risk of war in the Middle East. The global community now watches closely for Iran’s next move — and whether the latest crisis will spiral into a larger conflict.
