Will U.S. Strikes on Iran Ignite a Global Crisis?

On June 21, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that B-2 stealth bombers targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, using bunker-buster bombs to strike deeply buried sites.

The operation aimed to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, which was reportedly nearing weapons-grade uranium production.

Israel’s earlier attacks had weakened Iran’s air defenses, allowing U.S. bombers to hit critical sites like Fordow, a fortified facility used for uranium enrichment.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as aggressive, promising retaliation that could further destabilize the region.

Will Iran’s Retaliation Escalate the Conflict?

Iran’s leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, warned of a severe response if attacks continue. Tehran could retaliate with missile strikes or disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, potentially causing global oil price surges and economic turmoil.

While Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, its support for militias linked to past attacks on U.S. forces raises fears of asymmetric retaliation. The U.S. strikes, following Israel’s campaign, may push Iran toward desperate actions, risking a broader regional conflict.

Did you know?
In 1981, Israel bombed Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor to halt its nuclear ambitions, setting a precedent for preemptive strikes on nuclear facilities.

Is Congressional Oversight Being Sidelined?

The U.S. operation proceeded without briefing key congressional leaders, sparking constitutional concerns. Democratic lawmakers criticized the lack of prior approval, with some calling the strikes a violation of legal norms.

Despite informing House Speaker Mike Johnson, the lack of broader consultation has intensified discussions about Trump's authority. This domestic discord could undermine U.S. cohesion as international tensions mount.

Global Condemnation Threatens U.S. Diplomacy

The strikes drew sharp international criticism, with nations like Venezuela, Cuba, and Qatar denouncing the U.S. actions as escalatory. Iran’s call for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting accused the U.S. of breaching international law, posing risks of diplomatic isolation for Washington.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, praised the U.S. for setting Iran’s nuclear program back significantly. This divided global response complicates U.S. efforts to maintain alliances while countering Iran’s influence.

ALSO READ | Can Israel’s Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Trigger a Wider Regional War?

Oil Markets Face Disruption Risks

The conflict threatens global economic stability, particularly through potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran could target shipping routes. Airlines are already rerouting flights to avoid Middle Eastern airspace, signaling wider economic impacts.

India has increased oil imports from alternative suppliers like Russia and the U.S. amid the tensions. A prolonged conflict could escalate oil prices, impacting global markets and U.S. consumers, thereby elevating the risks associated with the military action.

Geopolitical Fault Lines Emerge

The U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 21, 2025, escalates tensions, aligning Washington with Israel’s strategy and risking Iranian retaliation. Global criticism, domestic legal debates, and potential shocks to the oil market underscore the high stakes.

With Iran vowing to advance its nuclear program and allies urging restraint, the U.S. faces a critical challenge. Can Trump’s strategy contain Iran’s ambitions without triggering a global crisis?