Smoke is seen rising from impact craters left by the US strike on Iran’s fuel enrichment facility at Fordow in a satellite image taken on 22 June. Image: Planet Labs PBC
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically after Israel and the United States launched attacks on several of Iran’s key nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified underground Fordow facility. The strikes have drawn vows of retaliation from Tehran, cautious reactions from global powers, and created a significant diplomatic challenge for countries elsewhere, including South Africa.
The initial US bombardment was followed by a fresh Israeli strike on the Fordow nuclear site, south of Tehran. Israel also stated it was targeting security command centres and other locations within the Iranian capital, including the area around the notorious Evin prison. In response to the attacks, Iran’s military has warned the US of “heavy consequences” for entering the war on Israel’s side.
US President Donald Trump has been vocal following the American-led strikes, claiming in a social media post that “monumental damage” was done to all of Iran’s nuclear sites and that “obliteration is an accurate term”. However, officials from the Pentagon have used more measured language, describing the damage as “severe”.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that while the agency has not yet been able to conduct a full assessment, he anticipates “very significant damage” at the Fordow site.
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Global Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The international community has responded with a mixture of condemnation and calls for de-escalation.
Russia: The Kremlin condemned the US strikes, with a spokesperson stating Russia “deeply regrets and condemns” the actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss the developments.
China: Beijing has warned of the risk of a “spillover of war” and cautioned that the conflict could “impact” the global economy.
Europe: Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated there was “no reason to criticise” the US strikes, while NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated that Iran “must not develop nuclear weapons”. The European Union’s top diplomat described any potential Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz as “extremely dangerous”.
South Africa: The South African government has found itself in a difficult diplomatic position. President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a cautious statement expressing “a great deal of anxiety” over the US entry into the conflict. The statement noted that it was South Africa’s “sincerest hope that President Donald Trump would use his influence” to encourage dialogue. The situation is complicated by South Africa’s warm relations with Iran, a fellow BRICS member, and its staunch criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Despite the heightened geopolitical risk, global markets have shown a surprisingly muted reaction. After an initial spike, oil prices stabilised, and stock markets did not experience the steep decline many analysts had anticipated. Some market experts suggest this is due to a view that Iran’s capacity for a major military response is limited and that global oil supplies remain ample.
Iran’s options for retaliation are seen as constrained, though a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical channel for about 20% of the world’s oil supply—remains a significant threat. Analysts believe such a move would be “economic suicide” for Iran and would likely provoke a comprehensive US military response. The next move from Tehran is being watched closely, as the region braces for the fallout from the strikes on the Fordow facility and other key sites.
