US Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities in 2025: Global Fallout, Oil Market Shock, and NPT Crisis


US Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities 2025: Impacts on Global Oil Prices, Security, and NPT

In a stunning escalation of Middle East tensions, former US President Donald Trump confirmed a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Labeling the operation “very successful,” Trump warned of further military action if Iran retaliated. The strikes have sent shockwaves through global energy markets, provoked strong condemnation from multiple nations, and reignited a complex debate over nuclear proliferation and international law.

This long-form article explores the geopolitical consequences, global economic fallout, and legal implications under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following the 2025 US strikes on Iran.


Overview of the US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

US Airstrikes on Iranian
US Airstrikes on Iranian

What Happened?

  • Date of Attack: June 22, 2025
  • Targets: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – Iran’s most heavily guarded and advanced nuclear sites
  • Weapons Used: US deployed GBU-57 bunker buster bombs capable of penetrating 200 feet underground
  • Stated Objective: To disable Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons
  • US Political Context: Announcement made amid Trump’s 2025 presidential campaign comeback trail

1. Economic Shockwaves: Oil Markets in Turmoil

One of the most immediate global impacts was felt in the crude oil market. Iran, a OPEC member and home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is vital to the global energy supply chain.

Crude Oil Prices Soar

Following the strikes, Brent Crude surged past $120 per barrel, its highest since 2022.
Traders reacted to fears that Iran might block the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which 20% of global oil flows.

Strategic Oil Reserves Triggered

  • The US and EU began talks to release strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.
  • India and China, heavily reliant on Iranian oil, announced emergency energy meetings.

High CPC Focus:

  • “Impact of US-Iran Conflict on Crude Oil Prices”
  • “Oil Futures and Global Recession Risk After Iran Nuclear Strikes”
  • “Best Energy Stocks to Invest in During Middle East Crisis”

2. Regional Fallout: Escalation Risk in the Middle East

Iran’s Likely Response

Experts believe Iran cannot afford a non-response. The symbolic and strategic damage demands retaliation.

  • Potential Iranian retaliation includes missile strikes on US bases in Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and UAE.
  • Iranian-backed militias in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq could intensify activity.
  • Houthi rebels in Yemen may disrupt shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

Expert Insight:

Mehran Kamrava, a Georgetown University professor, told Al Jazeera:

“The region is full of US military assets. That means 40,000 American targets that Iran may consider.”


3. Legality Under International Law: Did the US Violate the NPT?

Iran has formally petitioned the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and United Nations, accusing the US of:

  • Violating the UN Charter
  • Engaging in aggression without a UN mandate
  • Breaching Article 2(4) of the UN Charter which prohibits the use of force

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in Crisis

Iran’s parliament is now openly considering invoking Article 10 of the NPT, allowing withdrawal due to “extraordinary events.”

What is Article 10 of the NPT?

“Each Party shall, in exercising its national sovereignty, have the right to withdraw from the Treaty if it decides that extraordinary events… have jeopardized the supreme interests of its country.”

If Iran withdraws:

  • IAEA inspections would end
  • Unrestricted uranium enrichment could resume
  • New nuclear arms race in the Middle East might begin

4. Global Political Reactions: Diplomatic Earthquake

European Union

  • EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and a return to talks.
  • Emergency EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting convened to assess crisis response.

Oman & Qatar

  • Oman labeled the attack a “flagrant violation” of international law.
  • Qatar warned of “catastrophic repercussions” if military operations continue.

India & China

  • Both expressed deep concern.
  • India urged all parties to exercise restraint.
  • China proposed a UN Security Council session for immediate peacekeeping intervention.

5. The ‘Rally Around the Flag’ Effect Inside Iran

US Airstrikes on Iranian
US Airstrikes on Iranian

Despite internal political fractures, Iranians are now uniting in defense of national sovereignty.
Iranian analyst Foad Izadi explained that many now believe the US-Israel goal isn’t just regime change — but Balkanisation of Iran.

“There’s growing fear that the West wants to divide Iran into several regions, particularly stripping oil-rich areas.”

Nationalism Surges:

  • Record enlistment in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
  • Protests outside Western embassies
  • Mass anti-US demonstrations in Tehran and Mashhad

6. Bunker Busters and the Tech Behind the Strikes

The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, developed by Boeing, was reportedly used in the attacks. It’s specifically built to destroy hardened targets like underground nuclear bunkers.

Features:

  • Weight: 13,600 kg (30,000 lbs)
  • Warhead: 2,700 kg
  • Penetration Depth: Up to 61 meters
  • Guidance System: GPS-assisted

Iran claims no enriched uranium was destroyed, but this is disputed.


7. Political Fallout in the US: War Powers vs. Trump

While Trump’s supporters praised the move as a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Democrats have called the strikes illegal under the 1973 War Powers Act.

Reactions:

  • Democrats: Urging impeachment, citing unilateral military action without congressional approval
  • Republicans: Mostly supportive, citing “national security”
  • Libertarian voices: Rand Paul, Thomas Massie condemned the attack as “reckless”

Diplomatic and International Reactions

Country/EntityReactionKey Statement/Action
IranOutraged“Brutal military aggression” – FM Araghchi at OIC summit
IsraelActive retaliationConducted coordinated strikes on Iranian military assets
UKNot involvedInformed of strikes; Diego Garcia not used
OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation)Condemned US-Israel strikesEmergency discussion led by Iran’s foreign minister
UN Charter ViolationsAllegedExperts claim both US and Israel violated IAEA and UN protocols

Major Military Actions (Past 24–48 Hours)

ActorTargetLocationWeapons UsedReported Outcome
USFordow Nuclear SiteIran6 GBU-57 bunker bustersSignificant underground damage
US SubmarinesNatanz & IsfahanIran30 Tomahawk missilesMajor infrastructure damage
IsraelDezful AirportIran (Khuzestan)Fighter jets2 Iranian F-5 jets destroyed
IranRamat Aviv, Tel AvivIsrael40 missiles27 civilians wounded
IsraelTabriz (IRGC camp)IranAirstrike2 injuries; facility hit

Strategic Military Assets Involved

AssetOperatorRole in ConflictLocation of Deployment
B-2 Spirit BomberUS Air ForceStruck Fordow nuclear facilityLaunched from Missouri, refueled mid-air
Tomahawk Cruise MissilesUS NavyLong-range precision strikesFrom submarines 400 miles offshore
Israeli F-16/F-35 JetsIsraeli Air ForceAttacked Iranian military sitesLaunched from undisclosed locations
IRGC Missile SystemsIranRetaliatory attack on IsraelLaunched from undisclosed bases in Iran

Geopolitical Impact: Legal and Security Concerns

TopicDescriptionImplication
UN Charter ViolationIran & scholars claim US broke Article 2(4)Undermines global law framework
IAEA Charter BreachAttacks on safeguarded nuclear sitesWeakens credibility of inspections
Potential Iran NPT ExitDue to Article 10 triggerWould remove nuclear oversight
Security of US Bases50+ in the region, including Iraq, Qatar, UAEIran may retaliate strategically
GCC Nations’ NeutralityQatar, Oman maintaining tiesMay pressure US to de-escalate

Civilian & Infrastructure Damage Overview

LocationCountryAttack SourceReported Damage
Ramat AvivIsraelIranian missiles27 wounded, residential buildings destroyed
Isfahan AirportIranIsraeli fighter jetsAirport & surrounding military assets hit
Dezful AirbaseIranIsrael2 Iranian F-5 fighter jets destroyed
Martyr Madani Camp, TabrizIranIsrael2 wounded, thick smoke, partial structural loss

US Strategic Bombers Used in Iran Strikes

AircraftTypeRoleMax RangePayload CapacityMission in Iran Strikes
B-2 SpiritStealth BomberLong-range precision strikes11,000 km (non-stop)18,000 kg (40,000 lbs)Struck Fordow facility with GBU-57s
B-52 StratofortressHeavy BomberHigh-altitude long-duration strikes14,000 km31,500 kgDeployed six bunker busters on Fordow
US Navy SubmarinesLaunch platformTomahawk cruise missile launchesN/A (stealth subs)154 missiles per sub (max)Fired 30 Tomahawks at Natanz & Isfahan

Types of Weapons Used in the US Airstrikes

US Airstrikes on Iranian
US Airstrikes on Iranian
WeaponTypeDelivery SystemWeightFeaturesTarget
GBU-57 Massive Ordnance PenetratorBunker BusterB-2 & B-52 Bombers13,600 kg (30,000 lbs)Penetrates 60 meters undergroundFordow
Tomahawk Cruise MissilePrecision MissileUS Navy Submarines~1,600 kg1,000+ mile range, terrain-huggingNatanz & Isfahan

Iranian Nuclear Facilities Targeted – Technical Overview

FacilityLocationFunctionDefense MechanismStrike Outcome
FordowNear Qom, buried under mountainUranium enrichment (3.5%–20%)Deep underground, heavily fortifiedHit by 6 bunker busters; partial destruction
NatanzIsfahan ProvincePrimary enrichment siteAir defenses, underground centrifugesTargeted with Tomahawk missiles; extensive damage reported
IsfahanCentral IranFuel fabrication, storageModerate protectionDamaged by long-range missile strike

Operation Details and Strategic Summary

DetailDescription
Mission Duration (B-2)~37 hours round-trip (Missouri to Iran)
RefuelingMultiple mid-air refuels by KC-135 tankers
Evacuation ReportIranian officials claimed prior evacuation of nuclear workers
Political CoordinationAlleged US-Israel cooperation in target selection
Media ConfirmationSean Hannity (Fox News) cited Trump’s confirmation of B-52 and Tomahawk involvement

Iranian Nuclear Facilities Targeted in 2025 Airstrikes

Facility NameLocationPurposeYear OperationalStrike Impact (Reported)
FordowNear QomUranium enrichment, deep underground2009Heavy structural damage from GBU-57
NatanzIsfahan ProvinceMain enrichment facility2007Partial destruction; some uranium stockpile believed intact
IsfahanCentral IranConversion & uranium storage2004Hit by precision strikes; fuel damage unclear

Global Reactions to US Strikes on Iran – At a Glance

Country/BlocPositionStatement Summary
European UnionNeutral, de-escalationUrged “return to dialogue” and “prevent further escalation”
OmanCondemnationCalled it a “flagrant violation” of international law
QatarCriticalWarned of “catastrophic repercussions”
IraqConcernedDecried threat to regional peace and security
China & RussiaStrongly opposedCalled for emergency UNSC session
IsraelSupportiveCoordinated with US; silent officially but implied support

Legality Under the NPT and International Law

Treaty/LawRelevant ClauseUS ActionLegal Debate
UN Charter (Article 2(4))Prohibits use of forceViolated, say criticsNo UN authorization for strikes
NPT (Article 10)Allows withdrawal during extraordinary threatInvoked by IranLegal if security is compromised
War Powers Act (1973)Requires Congressional approvalViolated, say DemocratsTrump did not seek approval

Impact of Iran Conflict on Global Oil Markets

IndicatorPre-StrikePost-Strike (48 Hours)% Change
Brent Crude Price (USD/barrel)$87.50$121.10+38%
WTI Crude (USD/barrel)$82.90$117.25+41%
Gold Price (USD/oz)$2,350$2,590+10.2%
S&P 500 Energy Sector465 points510 points+9.7%

Military Presence of the US in the Middle East

CountryUS BasesEstimated TroopsRisk Level (If Iran Retaliates)
Iraq4 major~2,500High
QatarAl Udeid Air Base~10,000Medium-High
UAEAl Dhafra Air Base~3,500Medium
BahrainNaval Support Activity Bahrain~7,000High
KuwaitCamp Arifjan~13,000Medium
Saudi ArabiaMultiple deploymentsClassifiedMedium

What Happens Next? Scenarios for 2025 and Beyond

Possible Scenarios:

ScenarioDescriptionProbability
Diplomatic Off-RampEU, China, and Russia mediate a ceasefire and new JCPOA frameworkModerate
Full-Scale WarIran retaliates, US escalates, Gulf becomes a battlegroundHigh
Iran Leaves NPTIran withdraws and resumes nuclear weapon developmentVery High
Israeli Involvement GrowsIsrael continues shadow war on Iranian targetsAlready Ongoing

Conclusion: World on the Edge After US-Iran Nuclear Conflict

The 2025 US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities represent a watershed moment for global diplomacy, energy markets, and nuclear non-proliferation. As oil prices rise and tensions flare, the international community faces a stark choice: rein in escalating violence or risk plunging into a broader Middle Eastern war with global repercussions.

Whether Iran retaliates, exits the NPT, or seeks new alliances, one thing is clear: the geopolitical landscape has changed permanently.


FAQs

Q1. Why did the US strike Iran’s nuclear facilities?
A1. Former President Trump claimed it was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Critics argue it was politically motivated and lacked legal justification.

Q2. Can Iran legally leave the NPT?
A2. Yes. Under Article 10 of the NPT, any member can withdraw if it believes its supreme national interests are at risk.

Q3. Will this conflict impact global oil prices long-term?
A3. Likely yes. Disruption in Iran or the Strait of Hormuz can spike prices significantly.

Q4. Could this lead to a broader Middle East war?
A4. If Iran retaliates militarily, especially against US or Israeli assets, a regional war is highly possible.

Q5. Are US actions legal under international law?
A5. Legal experts argue the strikes violated the UN Charter and the War Powers Act. It remains a contentious issue.


Read More: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/22/live-us-joins-israels-attacks-on-iran-bombs-three-nuclear-sites

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