Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically over the weekend after the United States formally joined Israel’s ongoing military assault on Iran, with President Donald Trump confirming American strikes on multiple nuclear sites. In a controversial Truth Social post, Trump declared it was “time for peace,” while simultaneously warning Tehran against any retaliation.
American forces reportedly targeted key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan in coordination with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which Tel Aviv claims is a preemptive strike to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful, and responded by labeling the attacks “an act of war.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the US strikes as blatant violations of international law and warned that “all options are on the table” for a forceful response to defend the country’s sovereignty.
In a symbolic move, Iran’s parliament approved a bill authorizing the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a key oil shipping corridor responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s energy exports. The US immediately warned against the decision, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance cautioning Tehran that such a step would be a “big mistake.”
The international response was swift. Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes and accused the US and Israel of “gross violations of international law,” calling for immediate diplomatic de-escalation. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened to target US warships in the Red Sea if Washington deepens its military involvement.
So far, Iran’s Health Ministry has reported at least 430 fatalities and over 3,500 civilian injuries from Israeli strikes. Israel claims it has lost 25 people, with more than 2,500 wounded.
Despite calling for dialogue, Trump’s repeated use of the slogan “Make Iran Great Again” has sparked confusion among both allies and critics, with many questioning whether Washington’s objectives are peace, regime change, or deterrence through dominance.
As both sides exchange missiles and drones, fears of a broader regional war continue to rise—particularly if further powers are drawn into the fray.
