Background on Key Figures and Context
Iran has asserted that the recent US attack on its nuclear facilities broadened the legitimate targets of its armed forces. The Islamic Republic labeled US President Donald Trump as a “player” for joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the spokesperson for Iran’s Central Military Headquarters Jatam al Anbiya, stated that the United States should anticipate severe consequences for its actions. Zolfaqari, speaking in English at the end of a video recording, warned Trump: “Mr. Trump, the player, may have started this war, but we will be the ones to finish it.”
Exchange of Aerial Attacks Between Iran and Israel
As the world prepared for Iran’s response to the US attack on its nuclear facilities, Iran and Israel exchanged aerial attacks and missile strikes. The US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, including the underground Fordow facility, reportedly caused significant damage or destruction to the site and its uranium enrichment centrifuges, though experts have yet to confirm the extent of the damage.
US Attack Details
According to General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the US launched 75 precision-guided munitions, including anti-bunker bombs, and over two dozen Tomahawk missiles against three Iranian nuclear facilities.
International Atomic Energy Agency’s Assessment
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, reported no increase in radiation levels following the US attacks. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s Director General, stated that it was still impossible to assess the underground damage.
Iran’s Response and Potential Escalation
A high-level Iranian source informed Reuters that most highly enriched uranium from Fordow had been relocated before the attack. Tehran, denying its nuclear program’s peaceful intentions, launched a barrage of missiles against Israel following the US attack, injuring dozens and destroying buildings in Tel Aviv. However, Iran has not yet acted on its primary retaliation options: targeting US bases or strangling 20% of the world’s oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Potential Global Economic Impact
Should Iran attempt to strangle the Strait of Hormuz, it could trigger a surge in global oil prices, destabilize the world economy, and provoke conflict with the US Fifth Fleet, based near Bahrain.
Oil Prices Surge
Following the attacks, oil prices jumped to their highest level since January. Brent crude futures rose $1.11 or 1.44% to $78.12 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude advanced $1.08 or 1.45% to $74.87 per barrel.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ebrahim Zolfaqari? Ebrahim Zolfaqari is the spokesperson for Iran’s Central Military Headquarters Jatam al Anbiya.
- What damage was caused by the US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities? Commercial satellite imagery indicated significant damage or destruction to the Fordow nuclear site and its uranium enrichment centrifuges, though experts have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage.
- What retaliation options does Iran have? Iran could target US bases or strangle 20% of the world’s oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially escalating tensions and impacting global oil prices.
