Both Nations on Maximum Alert as Middle East Tensions Soar
June 22, 2025 | NRI Globe Report

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Overview

In the wake of US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Tehran is reportedly preparing retaliatory missile and drone attacks against US and Israeli targets. As of June 22, both Washington and Tel Aviv have placed their military and civilian systems on the highest level of alert, raising global concerns over the risk of a wider regional conflict. This article explores Iran’s military preparations, US and Israeli defensive measures, and the broader economic and geopolitical fallout.

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Iran’s Retaliatory Strategy: Targets and Tactics

Iranian state media and officials have confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is preparing ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes. Likely targets include:

🎯 Primary Targets

• US Military Bases: Facilities in Bahrain (home of the US 5th Fleet), Qatar, UAE, and Iraq
• Israeli Infrastructure: Military sites, airfields, and possibly civilian areas in Tel Aviv and Haifa
• Maritime Assets: US warships in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea

A senior Iranian military adviser stated, “Every American soldier and citizen in the region is a legitimate target.”

Additionally, Iran is expected to activate its regional proxies:

• Houthi rebels in Yemen to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping
• Hezbollah, Iraqi, and Syrian militias to target US and Israeli interests

Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes—an act that could cripple global energy markets.

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US and Israeli Responses: Readiness on Maximum Alert

🇺🇸 United States

• CENTCOM Bases Fortified: Extra security in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
• Evacuations Initiated: US Embassy staff in Israel relocated to Bulgaria; family members in the region cleared for departure
• Naval Assets Positioned: USS Carl Vinson and additional destroyers on standby
• Domestic Precautions: Increased security at high-risk sites in New York, D.C., and Los Angeles

President Trump warned via social media:

“Any Iranian retaliation will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”

🇮🇱 Israel

• Airspace Closed: All civilian flights grounded
• IDF on Full Alert: Arrow and Iron Dome missile systems activated
• Public Measures: Citizens told to stay near bomb shelters; schools and public gatherings suspended
• Leadership Support: PM Netanyahu called the US strikes a “historic moment” and vowed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear threat

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Triggering Event: US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

On June 21, 2025, the US conducted airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites:

• Fordow: Underground facility hit with 30,000-pound bunker busters
• Natanz: Central uranium enrichment site struck by Tomahawks
• Isfahan: Research center reportedly storing near-weapons-grade uranium

The US claims the facilities were “completely obliterated.” Iran contests this, stating the attacks caused “minor, superficial damage.”

🔬 IAEA Findings:

• Confirmed structural damage at Natanz
• No detected radiation leak—external radiation levels normal
• Internal contamination risk under investigation

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Immediate Fallout and Global Implications

🔺 1. Regional Escalation

• Houthi threats to US and Israeli ships in the Red Sea
• Iraqi and Syrian militias may resume operations despite weakened capacities
• Strait of Hormuz at risk, potentially halting oil exports and disrupting trade

🌍 2. International Reactions

• UN: António Guterres calls this “a dangerous escalation”
• EU: Diplomatic talks in Geneva collapsed; European leaders condemn the lack of UN approval
• Israel: Applauded the strikes, citing collective defense
• Russia and China: Expected to back Iran diplomatically and possibly militarily

🇺🇸 3. US Political Divide

• Republicans support the action; Sen. Lindsey Graham urges more pressure on Iran
• Democrats, led by Bernie Sanders, criticize the lack of congressional approval
• Public sentiment split—many wary of another Middle East entanglement

💰 4. Economic Consequences

• Oil Prices: Brent crude likely to exceed $100/barrel
• Trade Disruptions: Red Sea instability threatens shipping lanes
• Market Uncertainty: Global equities volatile; energy and defense stocks climbing

🇮🇷 5. Iranian Domestic Response

• Government: Dismisses US claims of damage
• Public: Growing fears over war, radiation risks, and economic consequences
• Military: Plans for a new, hardened enrichment facility reportedly underway

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Long-Term Outlook: Risks of Wider War

🔥 1. Iran’s Nuclear Future

The attacks may delay but not destroy Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Analysts believe Iran may accelerate its program underground or seek foreign technical support.

🗺️ 2. Regional Power Shifts

• Iran may deepen ties with Russia and China
• Prolonged war could draw in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others

⚖️ 3. US Foreign Policy Challenges

• Lack of legal authorization damages US credibility
• Allies may question Washington’s unpredictability

☢️ 4. Global Security Threats

• Cyberattacks, terrorism, or missile launches are possible
• Escalation could result in a broader, uncontainable war

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Critical Perspective

While the US and Israel argue the strikes are a necessary deterrent, critics highlight:

• No verified proof of Iran nearing weaponization
• Lack of international and legislative oversight
• Danger of radicalizing Iranian policy and alienating key global actors

Iran’s retaliation—if executed—could create a spiral of violence, risking lives, regional peace, and the global economy.

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Conclusion: The World at a Tipping Point

With Iran mobilizing for retaliation and US-Israeli forces bracing for impact, the Middle East faces its gravest crisis in years. The next 48–72 hours will be pivotal. Will diplomacy re-emerge, or are we on the brink of a broader regional war?