Iran Threatens U.S. Citizens After American Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Tehran— Iranian state television has issued a stark warning, declaring all American citizens and military personnel in the Middle East as “legitimate targets” following U.S. airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The attacks, which targeted sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with the United States now directly involved.
According to Iran’s state-run media, the U.S. strikes occurred early Sunday, prompting immediate condemnation from Iranian authorities. The National Nuclear Safety System Centre, as cited by Iranian state media, reported no radiation leaks at the targeted sites, asserting that safety measures ensured no contamination risks to nearby residents. Iranian officials, including an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mahdi Mohammadi, claimed the Fordo facility had been evacuated prior to the attack, minimizing damage. Mohammadi stated on social media, “Knowledge cannot be bombed,” emphasizing Iran’s resilience.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” addressing the nation from the White House. He warned Iran of further “precision strikes” if it fails to de-escalate its conflict with Israel, stating, “There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran.” Trump highlighted the strikes’ aim to disrupt Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, calling it a necessary response to a global nuclear threat.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. actions, warning of “everlasting consequences” and asserting Iran’s right to retaliate. The strikes follow a series of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets that began on June 13, prompting Iran to launch over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli military estimates. The conflict has claimed at least 430 lives in Iran, including 285 civilians, and 24 civilians in Israel, per local reports.
The international community has reacted with alarm. Palestinian group Hamas denounced the U.S. strikes as “blatant aggression,” while Yemen’s Houthi rebels, allied with Iran, threatened to target U.S. ships in the Red Sea if Washington continues its military involvement. China and Russia have also voiced concerns, with Chinese President Xi Jinping urging all parties to cease hostilities and Russia warning against U.S. military intervention.
As tensions mount, the U.S. and Israel remain on high alert, with air-raid sirens reported across Israel following Iran’s vow to respond. The region braces for potential retaliatory actions, with fears of a broader conflict looming.