ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON, June 23 – In a bold and fiery declaration, Iran issued a chilling warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, vowing to end the escalating war following a recent U.S. airstrike that devastated Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian military leadership condemned Trump’s direct involvement in Israel’s ongoing military campaign, branding him a “gambler” who had recklessly expanded the scope of conflict in the region.
The tense conflict escalated sharply when U.S. forces allegedly unleashed heavy bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s fortified underground nuclear sites early Sunday morning. While Iran has retaliated by launching missiles at Israel, it has so far refrained from taking direct military action against American assets or disrupting the vital oil trade routes along the Gulf, where nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the spokesperson for Iran’s central military command, delivered a stark message on Monday. Speaking in English during a recorded video broadcast, He stated, “Trump the gambler—you might initiate this war, but it will be us who bring it to a close.” The remark underscores Iran’s escalating view that the U.S. has overstepped by actively siding with Israel’s military ambitions.
Rising Airstrikes and Retaliatory Fire
Iran and Israel continued to exchange heavy fire on Monday as the world held its breath in anticipation of Iran’s next move. Since Israel launched a sudden offensive on June 13 that eliminated multiple top Iranian commanders, it has faced relatively little resistance from Iranian defenses. On the latest front, the Israeli military confirmed that nearly 20 fighter jets were deployed overnight in targeted strikes across western Iran and Tehran.
Among the key targets were missile and radar installations in Kermanshah and a surface-to-air missile system located in Tehran. Iranian sources confirmed that air defenses were triggered across central districts of the capital, and additional strikes were reported near Parchin, where a critical military complex is situated.
Iran claims that over 400 people, primarily civilians, have lost their lives in the series of Israeli assaults. The capital, once a bustling metropolis of 10 million, now resembles a ghost town as terrified citizens flee to the countryside to escape the danger.
On the other side, Iran’s retaliatory missiles have claimed the lives of 24 Israeli civilians and left hundreds injured. Despite Israeli missile defense systems successfully intercepting several incoming threats, air raid sirens rang out through Tel Aviv and surrounding cities throughout the night, underscoring the persistent threat.
Strategic Restraint and Economic Stakes
Despite the furious rhetoric and ongoing missile exchanges, Iran has yet to escalate the conflict directly against the United States or attempt to disrupt the global oil supply chain. Its ability to retaliate in full force has been significantly weakened in recent months, particularly following the collapse of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria—both key Iranian allies in the region.
While Iran’s arsenal of long-range missiles remains formidable, its most impactful leverage lies in the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes. On Monday, Iranian lawmakers endorsed a proposal to shut down the strait, though final approval would rest with the Supreme National Security Council, an entity under the influence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The mere possibility of closing the strait triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices. Brent crude futures surged past $80 a barrel early Monday before settling down to $76.64, suggesting that while traders are wary, they remain hopeful that full-scale economic disruption can be averted.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to Iran’s potential move with firm resolve, warning, “It would be economic suicide for them if they follow through. We have the capability and the will to deal with such a threat.”
Amid the rising tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. While Iran and Russia share a strategic partnership, Moscow has also built close relations with Israel. Araqchi indicated that Iran is considering “every potential course of action” and made it clear that diplomatic efforts will remain off the table until Tehran delivers its response.
Addressing a crowd in Istanbul before his departure, Araqchi declared that Iran’s retaliation would be deliberate and decisive. Later, in discussions with Russian officials, he reiterated that Iran and Russia were in close coordination and alignment over the unfolding crisis.
Meanwhile, satellite imagery examined by independent analysts suggests that the U.S. airstrike may have caused catastrophic damage to the Fordow nuclear facility. Concealed deep inside a mountain, the facility contained a large collection of centrifuges used for enriching uranium. Although Iranian authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage, the images paint a grim picture of destruction.
Trump appeared satisfied with the results of the strike, taking to social media to boast, “Bullseye! Enormous destruction was inflicted on all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, especially those buried deep underground.” In another post, he alluded to wider intentions, stating, “Calling it ‘Regime Change’ might not be politically correct, but if Iran’s leaders can’t MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why not? MIGA!!!”