On June 21–22, the United States launched a surprise military strike on three major Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This marks a major escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran — and has ripple effects far beyond the Middle East.
What Happened?
- The attack involved B‑2 stealth bombers dropping 30,000 lb GBU‑57 bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles fired from submarines.
- Former President Donald Trump, overseeing the operation, declared that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “completely destroyed.”
- Iran denied any radiological leakage and downplayed the damage, but the international community remains skeptical.
Why Now?
The Biden administration had hesitated to escalate. Trump’s return to office came with a pledge to act “decisively” on Iran. Israel strongly backed the strike, calling it a “historic turning point.”
China's Dilemma
Here's where the story deepens: China imports more than 80% of Iran’s crude oil through discounted, often-sanctioned channels.
With Iran’s infrastructure compromised:
- Chinese oil imports could face severe disruption
- Supply chain uncertainty may drive up global oil prices
- This could trigger domestic inflation and economic stress in China, which is already struggling with deflationary pressure and weak demand
Article Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9r4q99g4o
What we know about US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
Three nuclear facilities are reported to have been bombed, including the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo.
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