Yeliz Akmaca 
Breaking news from the US-Iran war is pouring in. US and Israeli strikes against Iran continue unabated; the Natanz nuclear facility was hit twice, 51 people died in Lebanon, and oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz were targeted. Trump warned, “The big wave is coming soon”; operations are ongoing.
The tension spans from the Strait of Hormuz to Lebanon, from Natanz to US bases. Every move between Iran and US-Israel creates critical military and diplomatic risks.
Why Are the US and Israel Attacking Iran?
Trump’s statements are clear: Iran ignored warnings and moved toward acquiring nuclear weapons. “They would soon have missiles capable of reaching the US. Iran having nuclear weapons is unacceptable,” he said.
The objectives are clear: destroy Iran’s missile capacity, neutralize its navy, and prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump estimated operations could last 4–5 weeks, with capacity to continue longer if necessary.
Israel’s UN Special Envoy Danon stated, “We will not stop until we reach our targets.” The Revolutionary Guards commander said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and any ships attempting to pass will be fired upon.
Natanz Nuclear Facility Hit Twice
Iran Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami confirmed US and Israeli strikes targeted Natanz twice. According to Iran’s semi-official ISNA, Eslami sent a letter to IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi stating:
“The criminal regimes of the US and Israel continued their aggression, targeting the Natanz Nuclear Facility twice on Sunday afternoon with brutal attacks violating international law.”
Eslami criticized the IAEA’s inaction and urged it to enforce international regulations promptly.
Airstrikes in Lebanon: Casualties and Mass Migration
Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern regions killed 51 people and injured 154. Thousands fled from southern Lebanon to the north as sirens sounded and security forces deployed at critical points.
Israel claimed the strikes targeted top Hezbollah figures acting on behalf of Iran, warning of strong retaliation against missile attacks. Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed the casualties.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Risk
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards struck the Athe Nova oil tanker with 2 UAVs. US naval forces in Bahrain, Minhad Air Base in UAE, and Kuwait’s American base were hit with 26 drones and 5 ballistic missiles.
An adviser to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned, “We will not allow oil to leave the region” (Iran State TV). This highlights the strategic risk to global energy markets.
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Kuwait Arifjan US Base: 12 drones
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UAE Minhad Base: 6 drones + 5 ballistic missiles
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Bahrain US Navy: 6 drones
The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 million barrels of oil daily, as well as LNG exports from Qatar and UAE. Brent crude prices surged above $79, and Bitcoin climbed to $69,000 amid shifting global risk sentiment.
US Strategy and Trump’s Message
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the operation is not an indefinite conflict:
“This is not Iraq. The war is not endless. The objective is to eliminate missile threats, destroy Iran’s navy, and prevent nuclear weapons acquisition.”
“This is not a regime-change war,” Hegseth added, though he noted, “The regime has changed, and the world is better off.”
Trump cautioned the public:
“We are devastating them. The big wave is coming soon. We want to help the Iranian people, but everyone should stay home. Outside is not safe.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said schools and hospitals were also targeted, emphasizing: “Iran will not remain silent or submit to these crimes.”
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