Washington/Tehran, June 22 (EFE).– The United States denied on Sunday that it is at war with Iran following Saturday’s bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, while Iran warned of “everlasting consequences.'”
“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program” Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with NBC.
Vance added that the United States has “no interest in boots on the ground,” but also warned that Tehran will face “overwhelming force” if it decides to respond with attacks on US targets.
Along the same lines, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured at a press conference that the operation did not seek “regime change” in Tehran nor to attack the civilian population but instead had the sole objective of weakening Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Damage assessment continues
The United States entered directly into the conflict between Israel and Iran by launching Operation Midnight Hammer on Saturday night, bombing nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow.
Approved by President Donald Trump just minutes before its execution, the operation deployed 125 aircraft, including seven sophisticated B-2 bombers.
The operation included the use of 75 bombs and missiles and took Tehran by surprise when it evaded its air defenses.
The attack followed the failure of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran.
According to the Pentagon, the US achieved its objectives; however, damage assessment is still ongoing, and it is too early to know whether Iran’s nuclear program was dismantled.
According to Iranian authorities, none of those injured in the bombings showed signs of radioactive contamination. No details have been provided on the number of victims.
Will there be retaliation?
Iran called an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, adding that the attack has “dangerous consequences.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi assured that his country reserves “all options” to respond.
The United States has thousands of troops deployed at military bases throughout the Middle East, which are possible targets for retaliation.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned the US to “expect regrettable responses,” adding that it would “use options beyond the understanding… of the aggressor front, and the aggressors of this land must expect regrettable responses.”
The Iranian Parliament also demanded the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s crude oil passes. Still, the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council.
Israel intensifies its attacks.
The US bombings join those carried out by Israel since June 13, to which the Iranian government has responded by launching several waves of missiles toward Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on his “bold decision” to attack the nuclear plant.
“President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace,” he added.
In this new scenario of conflict, the Israeli army reported on Sunday a new wave of air strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, including, for the first time, targets on the outskirts of the city of Yazd.
Iran assured that it will continue its retaliatory operation against Israel.
International condemnation and calls for diplomacy
While Israel unreservedly supported the US attack, the European Commission called for restraint, diplomacy, and an immediate return to the negotiating table.
Several Arab and Latin American governments, as well as Russia and China, condemned the military offensive and described it as an “aggression.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” and recalled that “no military solution” replaces diplomacy.
In contrast, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “the world is safer and more stable today.”
Rubio also accused Iran of entering into “fake negotiations” ahead of the strikes in a bid to “play” US President Donald Trump. EFE
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