Philip C. Johnson
June 21, 2025
Today, the U.S. unleashed a seismic strike on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, targeting three key sites – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – with B-2 stealth bombers dropping bunker-busting GBU-57s. President Trump hailed the attack as “very successful,” claiming a “full payload” obliterated Fordow, Iran’s most fortified nuclear facility. This bold move marks a dangerous escalation, potentially igniting a wider regional war.
How We Got Here
The strikes follow Israel’s week-long air campaign, “Operation Rising Lion,” launched June 12 to cripple Iran’s nuclear program and IRGC leadership after the IAEA declared Iran non-compliant with nuclear obligations. Israel’s attacks killed over 200 civilians, top IRGC commanders, and nuclear scientists, damaging Natanz and Isfahan but sparing Fordow. Iran retaliated with missile barrages, including a strike on an Israeli hospital, killing 32. Trump, initially hesitant, faced pressure from Iran hawks and Israel supporters within his party, leading to today’s U.S. intervention. Expect many to declare that Israel’s foreign policy it controlling U.S. foreign policy.
Israel’s Role
Israel provided critical intelligence and softened Iran’s defenses, destroying over 70 air defense systems. Netanyahu celebrated the U.S. strikes, calling them “a historic blow to Iran’s nuclear threat.” Israeli jets continue targeting Iranian missile launchers, with 197 strikes recorded since June 12.
Open Source Intel and X Buzz
Open Source Centre satellite imagery shows a “large, blackened hole” at Iran’s Arak reactor, hit by Israel. (Probably hit earlier in the week) On X, users like @WorldWar3Mapper speculate Iran may target U.S. bases, while @sttiaf warns of Iranian sleeper cells in America. Understandably, sentiment on X is tense, with fears of escalation dominating.
Responses
- U.S.: Trump’s Truth Social post boasted of “Fordow’s gone,” but experts doubt total destruction. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsed the strikes, while isolationists like Tucker Carlson criticize involvement.
- Europe: France’s Macron urged “maximum restraint,” condemning Iran’s nuclear advances but warning against regional war.
- Israel: Defense Minister Katz called the U.S. strikes “a turning point,” vowing to continue targeting IRGC assets.
- Iran: Supreme Leader Khamenei labeled the U.S. attack “a declaration of war,” promising a “harsh response.” Some are claiming on X that the IRGC-linked channel stated, “The United Staes has declared war on us. This is war, it has officially begun.”
What’s Next?
No ongoing U.S. airstrikes are reported, but Israel’s jets are active, hitting missile sites in southwestern Iran. Iran’s response hinges on its perception of the strikes’ scope. A limited retaliation – missiles on U.S. bases or proxy attacks by Houthis or Iraqi militias – is likely. A broader response, targeting Gulf allies or global shipping, risks a full-scale war. Experts warn Iran’s humiliated leadership may rush to “break out” a nuclear weapon, despite setbacks.
Speculation and Scenarios
Analysts like Jonathan Panikoff predict an “escalatory spiral” if Iran opts for disproportionate retaliation. Iran’s proxies, weakened but active, could strike U.S. interests in Iraq or Yemen. X posts speculate on cyberattacks or terrorism. If Iran perceives regime survival at stake, it may unleash its full arsenal, drawing in Russia or China, though both remain sidelined.
The Middle East teeters on a knife’s edge, more than usual. Trump’s decisive actions may delay Iran’s nuclear dreams but risks a firestorm that could engulf the region—and beyond. Obviously, this is an developing story and I encourage people to stay tuned to new developments. President Trump is scheduled to speak to the nation at 10:00 PM EST.
UPDATE:
In his brief 3.5-minute address to the nation at 10:00 PM EDT this evening, President Donald Trump hailed the U.S. strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites as a “spectacular military success,” claiming the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” Backed by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, he thanked God for the operation’s success and praised the U.S. military, stating no other force could have executed it. Trump warned Iran of “far greater” attacks if it does not seek peace, urging an end to the conflict. Pray for the safety of Americans anywhere in the world. And for the safety of all – because all of us are created in the image of God. Stay tuned.
The Global Nexter 