Irael-Iran War (Day 11): Iran Vows Revenge as U.S. Joins Conflict with Strikes on Nuclear Sites

Irael-Iran War (Day 11): Iran Vows Revenge as U.S. Joins Conflict with Strikes on Nuclear Sites

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical point as Iran has pledged retaliation just a day after the United States launched missile strikes on three of its nuclear facilities—formally inserting itself into the ongoing Israel-Iran war.

In a rare and strongly worded statement on Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the U.S. action, calling it a “grave error” and a “major crime.”

“The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake and committed a serious crime,” Khamenei declared. “They must and will be punished—and that punishment has already begun.”

On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. had conducted what he described as a “very successful” strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Despite earlier efforts to avoid direct involvement, the U.S. appears to have taken a decisive turn in the conflict.

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

The announcement was welcomed by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the move “bold, righteous, and historic.”

Background of the Conflict

The conflict, which erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes into Iran, has escalated rapidly, drawing in foreign powers and leading to a high death toll on both sides. Iran responded forcefully, and ongoing exchanges have claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands injured.

Despite initial attempts to remain uninvolved, Trump has since signaled a shift in policy—not only through military action but also by suggesting a potential regime change in Iran. In a controversial post, he questioned whether the current leadership in Tehran was still fit to govern.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!” Trump posted.

Rising Casualties and Tensions

The fallout from the U.S. strike was immediate. Within hours, Iran launched dozens of missiles at northern and central Israel, injuring at least 86 people. Iranian officials have vowed that the U.S. “must pay” for what they called an act of aggression.

Iran reports more than 400 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries since the war began, while Israel has recorded at least 27 deaths and hundreds wounded. Civilian and military infrastructure has been heavily impacted on both sides.

As international concern grows, the world watches anxiously to see whether the U.S. involvement will de-escalate the conflict—or fuel a broader regional war.