High Stakes: US-Iran Tension Escalates with Military Strikes

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed U.S. military strikes overnight hit entrances to tunnels at Iran's Isfahan nuclear complex, escalating tensions. The attacks, part of a broader strategy to disrupt Iran's nuclear program, were acknowledged by President Trump, heightening concerns over nuclear proliferation.

The U.S. actions test the widely held notion that military force can thwart a nuclear program. Despite infrastructure damage, experts argue that eradicating a nation's nuclear knowledge is far more challenging. The scenario underscores the persistent, complex nature of nuclear diplomacy, especially as Iran's nuclear capabilities have grown more sophisticated over two decades.

Amidst these developments, the U.N. Security Council met, spurred by calls from Russia and China for an immediate ceasefire. The international community, including U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the urgency of returning to comprehensive negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with progress on countering Iran's threats, illustrating the multilayered political implications of the U.S. strikes.

(With inputs from agencies.)