Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed ongoing operations in Iran and said that they are assessing the outcomes of the U.S. strikes, particularly at the Fordow enrichment facility. Israel’s military spokesperson emphasized that Israel maintains a variety of goals in Iran and is preparing for a potentially extended campaign. Israel continues to coordinate closely with the U.S. and is monitoring the situation at all targeted sites.
Iran has declared that it reserves all options for retaliation following U.S. and Israeli strikes, warning of what officials describe as “everlasting consequences” that could alter the strategic landscape of West Asia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the American actions as a serious breach of international law and the UN Charter, while the country’s Atomic Energy Organization asserted that the attacks will not deter its nuclear programme.
Tehran is reportedly evaluating several possible courses of action, ranging from direct military strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets in the region, to mobilizing its broad network of proxy groups across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Iranian officials have also hinted at the possibility of targeting U.S. personnel and assets across the region. As the situation develops, regional and global actors are watching closely, aware that the next move could have far-reaching consequences.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes, is once again at the center of global attention amid rising tensions in the Gulf. Responsible for the passage of 20 to 30% of the world’s oil supply and a significant portion of global liquefied natural gas exports, the narrow waterway is seen as a critical choke point for international energy markets. Even without a full closure, the recent threat from Iran has already had a ripple effect. Oil prices have surged, and several international shipping firms are now rerouting vessels to avoid Iranian waters, adding to supply chain disruptions and increasing freight costs. Experts warn that any attempt to shut down the strait would likely trigger a global energy crisis, severely impacting major oil-importing nations such as India and China.
Such a move would almost certainly prompt a military response from the United States and its allies to restore the flow of energy supplies. While Iran has previously threatened to block the strait during periods of heightened tension, it has stopped short of doing so, likely due to the enormous economic consequences it would face and the risk of international isolation. With the situation evolving rapidly, the strait remains a flashpoint with far-reaching implications for global markets and regional stability.
