NYT: Iran Is On The Brink Of War With The U.S.
- 22.06.2025, 10:12
The strikes on nuclear facilities were a sharp turnaround.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is on the verge of open war with the United States after a series of American airstrikes on the country's nuclear facilities. In response, Iran said it was prepared for a massive response, warning of the risk of destabilizing the entire region, writes The New York Times.
The night before, the U.S. launched strikes on three key nuclear sites - at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the attack, calling it a "brutal violation of international law."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, warned, "US involvement in the conflict is an extremely dangerous step." He called on Muslim countries to stand united against this aggression.
Two senior Iranian officials said in text messages that before the strikes, there was hope in Tehran that Trump could be talked out of the attack. Araghchi's diplomatic appeals to European counterparts, Arab leaders in the region were part of that effort, the two Iranian officials said.
Iranian military leaders have repeatedly said any U.S. intervention would trigger a massive response. General Mohsen Rezaei has warned that in the event of an escalation, Tehran is ready to attack US bases, close the Strait of Hormuz and step up sea mines.
The strikes marked a sharp turnaround in diplomatic efforts: before the attack, Iran had been negotiating through Oman, seeking a deal to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States insisted on the complete elimination of uranium enrichment in Iran, which effectively put Tehran before the choice of surrender or conflict.
The risks to global energy security are growing: more than 20 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Iranian allies in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen, have already announced possible attacks on US ships in the Red Sea.
Political analysts in Tehran warn: both retaliation and non-retaliation could have disastrous consequences for the regime. A retaliatory strike threatens war with a superpower, while capitulation threatens the loss of nuclear capabilities and regional influence.