Iran-Israel War LIVE: Iran Considers Closing Strait of Hormuz After US Stealth Bombers Strike Nuclear Sites
⚠️ LIVE: Middle East on the Brink as Iran Mulls Strait of Hormuz Closure
In an unprecedented escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, the Supreme National Security Council of Iran is expected to take a final decision on closing the Strait of Hormuz after receiving formal approval from the Iranian parliament. The move comes in the wake of coordinated US military strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities under Operation Midnight Hammer.
🇺🇸 US Military Operation ‘Midnight Hammer’: What We Know
During a Pentagon briefing, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the strikes as a "bold and brilliant" step, orchestrated personally by President Donald Trump. The aim: neutralizing Iran's advancing nuclear capabilities and forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table.
“As President Trump has stated, the US does not seek war, but we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened.” – Pete Hegseth
Key Points:
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Targeted Sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities
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Time of Strike: Between 6:40 pm and 7:05 pm ET
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Assets Deployed:
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7 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers
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GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs (can penetrate 200 feet underground)
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Over two dozen Tomahawk missiles launched from a submarine
🇮🇷 Iran's Fiery Response: “Expect Regrettable Consequences”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi swiftly condemned the US strikes, labeling them a "grave violation" of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
“Iran reserves all options under the UN Charter to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.” – Abbas Araghchi
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned the US to “expect regrettable consequences.” The response is expected to be both strategic and severe, raising fears of a full-scale regional war.
⛽ Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically significant waterways in the world. Nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies passes through this narrow chokepoint daily.
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Geography: Connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea
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Width at narrowest point: ~33 kilometers
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Used by: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and UAE for energy exports
If Iran decides to block the Strait:
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Oil prices could skyrocket past $150/barrel
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Global energy supplies—especially for Asia—would be disrupted
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India, which imports 40% of its crude oil via the Strait, would face immediate ripple effects
🔁 Regional and Global Reactions
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Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump, saying the strike will “change history.”
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Pakistan: Strongly condemned the US strikes, calling them a “violation of international law.”
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Russia & China: Called for immediate de-escalation, warning that continued conflict may spiral into global chaos.
🧠 Expert Analysis: What’s Next?
According to geopolitical analysts, a closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a last-resort weapon for Iran. While Iran’s military can technically attempt it, the consequences of provoking US Navy retaliation could prove disastrous.
Additionally, China—Iran’s biggest oil customer—and Qatar—a key gas exporter—both rely on the Strait and have privately warned Tehran against such a move.
That said, if the strikes continue and diplomatic channels remain blocked, Iran may choose limited or symbolic disruptions of shipping routes to send a message without sparking full-blown war.
🛡️ Recap of Operation ‘Midnight Hammer’
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | June 22, 2025 |
| Commanded By | US President Donald Trump |
| Nuclear Sites Targeted | Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan |
| Weapons Used | B-2 Bombers, Tomahawk Missiles, GBU-57 Bombs |
| Outcome | Destruction of key underground enrichment labs |
🗺️ Timeline: How the Conflict Escalated
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June 13, 2025: Israel launches a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities
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June 15, 2025: Iran retaliates with long-range missile strikes on Israeli airbases
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June 18, 2025: US begins surveillance missions
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June 22, 2025: Trump authorizes Operation Midnight Hammer
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June 23, 2025: Iran mulls closure of Strait of Hormuz
🌍 Related External Links
📝 Final Word
The Iran-Israel war has taken a grave new turn with direct American military involvement. With Iran now weighing the closure of one of the world’s most critical oil corridors, the geopolitical and economic stakes have never been higher.
All eyes are now on Tehran's next move—and whether diplomacy can still save the region from descending into further chaos.
Disclaimer:
This article is generated with the assistance of AI and is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only. All information is based on credible media sources and official statements available at the time of publication.
