Iran’s military has issued a stark warning to the United States and President Donald Trump following a series of US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. On Monday, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Military Central Command, declared that America’s direct attacks have expanded the range of “legitimate targets” for Iranian forces. Addressing Trump directly in English, Zolfaghari said, “Gambler Trump, you can start this war, but we will be the ones who end it.”
The US airstrikes reportedly targeted three major nuclear installations: the underground uranium enrichment site at Fordo, and nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz. President Trump claimed the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The unprecedented escalation has heightened tensions in the region, with the world anxiously awaiting Iran’s response.
Iranian leaders have issued a series of warnings. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s recent bombing campaign “a big mistake,” asserting that the “Zionist enemy… is being punished right now.” The rhetoric reflects growing concerns that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
The impact of the crisis has already been felt globally. Oil prices surged by more than four percent in early trading on Monday amid fears that Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to help deter Iran from shutting down the strait, highlighting the potential for global economic disruption.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has issued a worldwide alert, warning Americans abroad of possible demonstrations and disruptions to travel, as well as periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. The alert, however, did not reference the US strikes on Iran, underscoring the rapidly evolving and unpredictable nature of the crisis.