Following the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iranian politicians and state media have called for retaliatory attacks on American military bases in the Middle East. Iranian Channel-3 aired a map highlighting U.S. bases within missile range in countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the Supreme Leader-aligned Kayhan newspaper, urged an immediate missile strike on the U.S. Navy in Bahrain and called for closing the Strait of Hormuz. MP Hamid Rasai also called for strikes on American installations in Saudi Arabia.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a violation of international law. “The United States has blatantly breached all international rules with this attack,” Araghchi said. “Under the UN Charter, Iran reserves the right to self-defense and may respond through multiple avenues.”
He emphasized that Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, independence, or territorial integrity. “We will use all necessary tools and options for self-defense,” Araghchi added, declaring that Iran will not enter talks until the attacks stop.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, “The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake and committed a great crime. It must be punished—and is being punished now.” The post included a graphic image of a burning Star of David superimposed on a skull, symbolizing Iran’s retaliatory stance following the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities.

An Israeli drone strike on an ambulance in central Iran has killed at least three people, including a patient, the driver, and a family member. According to Hamidreza Mohammadi Fesharaki, governor of Najafabad County, the ambulance was transporting a patient between hospitals when it was hit. The damaged vehicle then crashed into another car, worsening the tragedy.

In retaliation to U.S. military actions, Iran has launched a coordinated missile strike dubbed “Operation Honest Promise 3 - Phase 20” targeting key Israeli facilities. These include Ben Gurion International Airport, a controversial “biological research center” in Ness Ziona, supply depots, and multiple command and control centers. Missiles also struck residential areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Ness Ziona. The Ness Ziona facility has long been rumored to be involved in the development of chemical and biological weapons for military use.

In a special operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the bodies of three Israeli citizens from Gaza. Among the deceased are soldier Shai Levinson and two civilians, Ofra Keidar and Yonatan Samrano. According to CNN, two of the victims were killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, while the third died trying to escape the Nova Music Festival during the same assault.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that every American in the Middle East is now a legitimate target following U.S. strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites. The IRGC vowed to use unexpected measures beyond the enemy’s anticipation and confirmed it will continue attacks targeting Israel. Since Israel’s attack on Iran on June 13, the region has witnessed multiple missile and drone assaults, escalating tensions further in an already volatile area.

In response to recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iran’s parliament has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route. Senior lawmaker Esmail Kowsari confirmed the decision, stating that a formal announcement will follow from the Supreme National Security Council. The move comes amid rising tensions and silence from the international community. Experts warn the closure could spike oil prices by up to 80% and severely disrupt global energy supplies.

Iran has carried out its 20th missile attack on Israeli territory as part of its Operation True Promise 3, claiming to have used Kheibar Shekan missiles in the latest assault. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed the use of the missile, warning that no part of Israeli-occupied territories would remain safe. The Kheibar missile boasts a range of 2,000 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing 1,500 kilograms, making it one of Iran’s heaviest medium-range ballistic missiles. The missile is liquid-fueled and can be guided mid-flight.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the recent military action against Iran was intentionally limited to avoid closing off diplomatic channels. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that the U.S. still seeks negotiations and continues to send both public and private messages to Iran. Hegseth said the restrained nature of the strike was itself a message. Analysts suggest this reflects Washington's preference for diplomatic pressure over war, though Iran’s response will shape the conflict’s future course.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane stated that the full extent of damage from recent American military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities remains undetermined. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he noted that initial assessments are still underway, making it too early to specify what has been destroyed or what remains intact. General Kane also declined to disclose details about measures to protect U.S. troops in the Middle East but affirmed that American forces are fully prepared to defend national and regional interests.

President Trump’s strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Though he claims the attack aims to prevent Iran’s nuclear ambitions and open doors to peace, the move has triggered fears of wider conflict. Iran reported minor damage, but retaliation remains possible. Trump faces criticism from both opponents and allies, and the strike may strain his “America First” credentials. With tensions rising, the situation threatens to spiral beyond Washington’s control.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Saturday night's strikes on Iran were deliberately aimed at "weakening" and "destroying" its nuclear capabilities. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, "Iran's nuclear program has been decimated." Hegseth added that there were no military or civilian casualties. He further asserted, "Many US presidents have dreamed of delivering a decisive blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions, but only Trump has had the courage to carry it out." He stressed that the world should listen when Trump speaks and claimed no other nation but the US could execute such a mission. The operation was codenamed Midnight Hammer, according to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “We have acted as a coalition, perhaps more effectively than ever before.”

He applauded the Israeli military for its role in countering what he described as “a terrible threat” and expressed pride in the unity between the U.S. and Israel during the recent developments.

Iran’s Armed Forces Central Command, Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, issued a stern warning Sunday. The statement declared that any country providing military aid or equipment—by air or sea—to Israel would be considered a direct participant in the aggression and thus a legitimate target for Iranian forces.

The statement added that despite Israel’s possession of one of the world’s most advanced missile defense systems, it failed to intercept Iranian attacks and suffered losses in radar and air defense capabilities, as well as a shortage of ammunition.