In a statement made this past weekend, Vice President JD Vance emphasized that though the United States is not waging war on Iran, it certainly contends with Iran’s nuclear ambition. This follows a surprise overnight raid on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Vance suggested that Iran hasn’t shown a talent for warfare, jesting that they should learn from President Trump’s example in seeking peace.
Vance went on to assure that if Iran is sincere in desiring peace, the president would respond in kind. Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted in a Pentagon briefing that the U.S. has no desire for war with Iran; the aim isn’t regime change.
Operation Midnight Hammer, as the mission was dubbed, cleverly employed decoys and crafty deceptions, and encountered no opposition from Iran. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force General Dan Caine stated that the principal objective was to dismantle the nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
General Caine explained that while the extent of the damage couldn’t be immediately comprehended, preliminary evaluations indicate that all three targets suffered catastrophic damage. The final assessment of the strike’s effectiveness will still need time to be completed.
Nevertheless, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, voiced strong objection, branding Washington ‘wholly accountable’ for potential reactions from Tehran. He expressed deep concern, indicating the significant shift in expectations due to the assault on nuclear facilities, stating that the path for diplomacy is uncertain.
Amid these tensions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted the United States isn’t planning any military action against Iran—unless they become a threat to American interests.
Global stakeholders are diligently assessing the outcome of these strikes and the potential escalation in conflicts throughout the Middle East. The United States’ involvement in the Israel-Iran disputes has fueled the current situation. A sequence of events unfolded starting from the Israeli bombardments on Iranian nuclear installations and military generals, followed by Iran’s counterstrikes provided the groundwork for the recent U.S. assault.
Alarmingly, global powers like China and Russia reproached the American military intervention. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reported the U.K.’s tactical movement of military hardware to guard its interests and allies in the region, while also seeking peaceful resolutions.
Calls for swift recommencement of peace talks came from leaders of Italy, Canada, Germany, and France. A subsequent Iranian reaction could possibly disrupt oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz, leading to potential hikes in global inflation.
The ongoing tussle between Israel and Iran has already led to a surge in oil prices, seeing a 21% uptick over the last month. Vice President Vance expressed faith in America’s capacity to significantly impede Iran’s nuclear advancement, given the strident negotiation process.
Vance also mentioned the U.S.’s indirect communications with Iran post the events. Hegseth disclosed that protective measures have been strengthened in the region, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and areas of the Persian Gulf.
Furthermore, the American-led maritime hub situated in the Middle East issued a high alert to vessels connected to the U.S., in light of the American incursion at the Iranian nuclear facilities. Hegseth mentioned this timeline was adhering to a timetable established by President Trump for negotiating with Iran on nuclear matters.
Hegseth added that the American strikes capitalized on Iran’s compromised air defenses, and successfully executed without any disruption, employing sophisticated deception including several B-2 bombers as decoys. The operation took place between 6:40 pm and 7:05 pm Eastern time, corresponding to the early hours of Sunday (around 2:10 am) in Iran.