US-Iran Conflict Escalates as Tehran Accuses Washington of Striking Nuclear Plant, Vows Devastating Retaliation
Washington/Tehran: Middle East tensions reached a dangerous new level on Sunday as Iran condemned an alleged US strike on the Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant and vowed severe retaliation against what it called American aggression. The exchange came as Washington launched another round of attacks on Iranian military targets while Tehran claimed retaliatory strikes against US-linked facilities across the Gulf, deepening concerns over regional stability.
Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday after Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation accused Washington of carrying out an airstrike on the under-construction Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant, describing the attack as a “barbaric” violation of international law.
In a statement carried by Al Jazeera, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran strongly condemned the reported strike, calling the United States a “criminal regime” and accusing it of violating international norms. The organisation described the Darkhovin nuclear facility as a symbol of Iran’s scientific progress, national dignity, and technological self-reliance.
The latest development comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two countries, following the collapse of an interim ceasefire agreement that had temporarily reduced tensions. The renewed fighting has raised fears of a broader regional conflict involving several Middle Eastern countries.
US Launches Fresh Wave of Airstrikes
The US military confirmed it had carried out another round of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, marking the eighth consecutive night of operations.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attacks began on Saturday evening under the direction of President Donald Trump. The strikes targeted Iranian coastal surveillance systems, air defence installations, and military logistics facilities.
CENTCOM said the objective was to weaken Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while responding to attacks allegedly carried out by Iran-backed forces against American military personnel stationed in Jordan.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that two American service members had been killed while another remained missing following recent attacks, stating that their sacrifice had strengthened America’s resolve to continue military operations.
According to US military figures, the latest casualties bring the total number of American troops killed since the conflict began to 16, while more than 420 personnel have reportedly been wounded.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Flashpoint
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed that two commercial vessels encountered an incident while navigating through what it described as an unsafe route in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials alleged that the ships had disabled their navigation systems and ignored warnings from Iranian naval forces. The IRGC reiterated that vessels transporting oil, gas, and other cargo are required to use designated shipping lanes and warned that failure to comply could result in accidents.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, handling nearly one-fifth of global oil exports.
Iranian Military Warns of Severe Retaliation
Major-General Ali Abdullahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that any further American military action would receive what he described as a “decisive and devastating response.”
Speaking through Iranian state media, Abdullahi accused the United States of pursuing aggression against Iran and vowed that the country’s armed forces would impose heavier costs on Washington than in previous confrontations.
He also called for greater unity among Iran’s military leadership, government officials, and the public, arguing that national solidarity would strengthen the country’s ability to confront external threats.
Fresh Attacks Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian media reported additional US airstrikes near Sirik in southern Iran, along with attacks near Shadegan in Khuzestan province and on Qeshm Island.
Authorities said emergency response teams were deployed to assess damage and determine whether casualties had occurred.
In response, Iran claimed it launched drone strikes against US military facilities at Kuwait’s Al-Adiri Camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base as part of its continuing military operations against American forces in the Gulf region.
Gulf Region on High Alert
Regional tensions continued to spread beyond Iran and the United States.
Iranian media claimed military operations had targeted US-linked facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, while Saudi Arabia reportedly activated its early warning systems after missile alerts were issued in parts of the kingdom.
Kuwaiti authorities stated that their air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged residents to move to safe locations after warning sirens were activated.
Several reports regarding attacks in the Gulf could not be independently verified.
Israel Warns of Possible Missile Spillover
The Israeli military announced that missiles launched from Iran toward Jordan’s Aqaba region could potentially enter Israeli airspace.
The Israel Defense Forces advised residents in southern Israel to remain alert and immediately seek shelter if warning sirens were activated.
Trump Dismisses Iran’s Position
President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s announcement that it would no longer observe the existing memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
Speaking during a television interview, Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remained the central objective of US policy, adding that he was unconcerned by Tehran’s latest declaration.
Global Concern Over Maritime Security
The renewed conflict has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of international concern.
Iran accused the United States of attempting to establish control over the strategic waterway, while Washington maintained that its naval operations are intended to protect international shipping from Iranian threats.
The European Union and Gulf states jointly called for an immediate halt to attacks affecting maritime navigation and urged all parties to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international trade.
Military Experts Warn of Wider Conflict
Former Pentagon official David Des Roches said the latest American campaign appears to have expanded beyond its initial objectives.
According to Des Roches, US operations have shifted from targeting missile launch capabilities toward destroying Iran’s coastal military infrastructure and isolating strategic regions to prevent reinforcement.
However, he cautioned that air power alone is unlikely to achieve long-term strategic goals and warned that continued escalation could further destabilise the Middle East.
The rapidly deteriorating security situation has heightened international concerns over the possibility of a wider regional war, with diplomatic efforts facing growing challenges as military operations continue across multiple fronts.