“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” said President Trump.
Is this the end of nuclear armament in Iran or the beginning of another forever war in the Middle East?
In the early hours of June 21, 2024, U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles pounded three underground Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—in a mission code-named “Operation Midnight Hammer.” The strike deployed 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs designed to rupture deep mountain tunnels without U.S. casualties. Pentagon officials later explained that planners condensed months of contingency work into “one week to two weeks” once President Trump gave the order. Satellite imagery released after the raid showed gray craters on Fordow’s once-brown mountainside, confirming successful penetration of the hardened bunkers.
“Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Europe’s balancing act: deterrence vs. de-escalation
Within hours, Germany, France and Britain issued a joint statement backing the goal of denying Iran a bomb while urging de-escalation and a return to talks under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Chancellor Scholz warned that military action “risks a regional conflagration” and pressed all sides to pursue diplomacy over warfare. President Macron echoed calls for negotiations, stressing that Iran bears a “heavy responsibility for destabilizing the Middle East,” yet cautioning against sweeping retaliation.
“Stability in the region is a priority,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Ottawa: cautious support with a call for diplomacy
From Ottawa, Prime Minister Trudeau voiced support for blocking Iran’s nuclear program but urged “an immediate return to the negotiating table and a diplomatic solution”. He described the region as “highly volatile” and emphasized Canada’s readiness to assist peace efforts while warning against further military escalation.
“This action has damaged U.S. credibility,” said China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong.
Beijing’s stern rebuke: legality and consequences
At the U.N., China denounced the strikes as a “serious violation of international law” that undermines American standing and deepens regional tensions. Fu Cong called on all parties—particularly Israel—to show restraint and urged an immediate cease-fire and diplomatic dialogue. State media warned that shutting the Strait of Hormuz would be “economic suicide” for Iran and catastrophic for global energy markets.
“It would radically destabilize the Middle East,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Moscow’s warning: escalation and international law
Moscow “strongly condemned” the U.S. strikes as illegal, calling for a U.N. response and warning of “catastrophic” fallout if hostilities continue. Deputy Security Council Chair Dmitry Medvedev mocked President Trump on Telegram, quipping that “[he] has started a new war for the U.S.” and that “with this success, he won’t win the Nobel Peace Prize”.
“We are very, very close to completing our goals,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jerusalem’s perspective: decisive action and deterrence
Israel publicly hailed the U.S. raid for degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure at Fordow and Natanz, insisting it was vital to “prevent a nuclear nightmare” on Israel’s doorstep. Behind closed doors, Israeli officials had urged rapid U.S. action, warning that any delay would let Iran’s program advance further.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
The U.N. alarm: risk of wider conflagration
At an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, Guterres called the strikes a “perilous turn” that could engulf the Middle East in renewed violence and warned of “catastrophic consequences” for civilians. Russia, China and Pakistan pressed for an immediate cease-fire resolution, which the U.S. and its allies blocked, highlighting deep divisions at Turtle Bay.
“We reserve all options to defend ourselves,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Tehran’s vow: retaliation and nuclear resolve
In Tehran, Araqchi denounced the bombing as “outrageous” and promised “everlasting consequences” if Iran’s sovereignty was violated. Iran then fired ballistic missiles at Israel, wounding civilians and signalling a dangerous tit-for-tat cycle. Hardliners in Tehran also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to choke off 20 percent of the world’s oil flow if necessary.
What Comes Next?
Strategists are divided. Hawks in Washington tout a limited “one-and-done” strike that bolstered U.S. deterrence; doves warn of mission creep into another “forever war.” Europe and Canada appeal for renewed talks; China and Russia decry U.S. overreach. Israel feels its red line defended; Iran vows retaliation while expelling IAEA inspectors. The U.N. fears broader conflagration; markets tremble at oil-flow threats.
Whether “Operation Midnight Hammer” is the final hammer blow to Iran’s bomb ambitions—or merely Pandora’s box—remains uncertain. As one veteran observer noted, “The clean strike has always been a myth—history shows it’s never that simple.” The world now watches to see if diplomacy can still prevail.
Sources
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