US Strikes on Iran Test Middle East’s Finance Ambitions
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U.S. strikes crippled Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Pentagon chief says
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth says U.S. did not target Iran’s military or civilian population. Heg seth: “Thanks to President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership, Iran’s nuclear visions have been obliterated”
He stated that the United States did not target Iran’s military or civilian population.
“Thanks to President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to Peace Through Strength, Iran’s nuclear visions have been obliterated,” he said.
Pete Hegseth added that the U.S. mission was not and has not been about regime change.
“The President authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program,” the Pentagon chief elaborated.
US demands Iran end its effort to eradicate Israel, drop nuclear ambitions and ‘negotiate peace in good faith’
The US launched Operation Midnight Hammer and conducted “precision strikes’ at three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, defended US military action against nuclear facilities in Iran. She said the operation was launched to end a “longstanding but rapidly escalating source of global insecurity’ and to help Israel in its right to self-defence per the UN Charter. She blamed Iran for targeting Israel with ballistic missiles and “terrorist proxies” and deaths in the Middle East. She warned that any attack on Americans or American bases will be “met with devastating retaliation” She reiterated the US’ call that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and called on the UN Security Council to urge Iran to end its effort to eradicate Israel, stop its effort for nuclear weapons, stop targeting American citizens and interests and � “negotiate peace in good faith��”“We can no longer ignore that Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon,” she said.
While speaking at a UNSC meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security on Sunday, US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, defended US military action against nuclear facilities in Iran. She stated that the operation was launched to end a “longstanding but rapidly escalating source of global insecurity” and to help Israel in its right to self-defence per the UN Charter.
She said, “To fulfill its core mission of maintaining international peace and security, this Council must call upon the Iranian regime to end its 47-year effort to eradicate the State of Israel, to terminate its drive for nuclear weapons, to stop targeting American citizens and interests, and to negotiate peace in good faith for the prosperity and security of the Iranian people and all other States in the region.”
Amb. Dorothy Camille Shea, interim U.S. representative to the United Nations: “We can no longer ignore that Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon.” pic.twitter.com/TeUP30avf5 — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 20, 2025
Speaking about the US military strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, Shea said, “Last evening, US military strikes targeted nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan – to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and stop the nuclear threat posed by the world’s foremost state sponsor of terror. This operation sought to eliminate a longstanding but rapidly escalating source of global insecurity, and to aid our ally Israel in our inherent right of collective self-defence consistent with the UN Charter.”
“For 40 years, the Iranian government has called for ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’ and posed a constant menace to the peace and security of its neighbours, the United States, and the entire world,” she added. She blamed Iran for targeting Israel with ballistic missiles and “terrorist proxies” and deaths in the Middle East. She accused the Iranian government and its “proxies” of killing numerous Americans, including American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Iran has attacked Israel with hundreds of ballistic missiles and through terrorist proxies. For decades, Iran has been responsible for misery and countless deaths across the Middle East. Iran’s government and its proxies have also killed numerous Americans, including American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent weeks, Iranian officials have intensified their hostile bluster and rhetoric. Iran has long obfuscated its nuclear weapons program and stonewalled good-faith efforts in recent negotiations,” he said.
Dorothy Shea reiterated the US’ call that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. She warned that any attack on Americans or American bases will be “met with devastating retaliation.”
“The time finally came for the United States, in the defence of its ally and in the defence of our citizens and interest, to act decisively. The Iranian regime cannot have a nuclear weapon. Let us be clear: Iran should not escalate. As President Trump said, any Iranian attack – direct or indirect – against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation,” she said.
She also highlighted concerns about Iran’s non-compliance with nuclear safeguards as detailed in the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report.
“A Member State here today cast aspersions about hypocrisy and raised the forthcoming meeting on UN Security Council resolution 2231. In that regard, I would point out that the recent IAEA report on verification and monitoring of Iran’s non-compliance with obligatory nuclear safeguards shows clearly that Iran has been continuing to accelerate its nuclear activities without any credible civilian justification,” she said.
The US launched Operation Midnight Hammer and conducted “precision strikes” at three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, said Operation Midnight Hammer was designed to “severely degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure.
Dan Caine said while holding a Sunday press briefing at the Pentagon, “At approximately 6:40 PM EST, 2:10 am Iran time, the lead B-2 two dropped GBU 57 MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) weapons on the first of several aim points at Fordow”.
“As the President stated last night, the remaining bombers then hit their targets as well with a total of 14 MOPs dropped against two nuclear target areas. All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were struck between 6:40 PM and 7:05 PM EST (2:10 AM local time Iran) with the Tomahawk missiles being the last to strike at Isfahan to ensure we retain the element of surprise throughout the operation,” he added.
He said the US military employed “several deception tactics,” including decoys, to maintain tactical surprise. “As the Operation Midnight Hammer strike package entered Iranian airspace, the US employed several deception tactics, including decoys, as the 4th and 5th generation aircraft pushed out in front of the strike package at high altitude and high speed, sweeping in front of the package for enemy fighters and surface Air missile threats,” he said.
“The strike package was supported by the US Strategic Command, US Transportation Command, US Cyber Command, US Space Command, US Space Force, and US European Command,” he added.
Further, Caine stated that “at midnight Friday and Saturday morning, a large B-2 strike package comprised of bombers launched from the continental United States. As part of the plan to maintain tactical surprise, part of the package proceeded to the West and into the Pacific as a decoy, a deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders here in Washington and in Tampa.”
“The main strike package, comprised of seven B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members, proceeded quietly to the East with minimal communications,” he added.
Highlighting the capabilities of the US joint forces, he stated, “Throughout the 18-hour flight into the target area, the aircraft completed multiple in-flight refuellings. Once over land, the B-2s linked up with escort and support aircraft in a complex, tightly timed manoeuvre requiring exact synchronisation across multiple platforms in a narrow piece of airspace, all done with minimal communications. This type of integration is exactly what our joint force does better than anyone else in the world. (ANI)
‘She’s Wrong’: Trump Sidelined Spy Chief Gabbard For Her Assessment Of Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
‘She’s Wrong’: Trump Sidelined Spy Chief Gabbard For Her Assessment Of Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions. Trump instead relied on a tight inner circle of loyalists and military advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US airstrikes, carried out late Saturday, hit nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, escalating the conflict as the Iran-Israel war entered its 10th day. Tehran has called the US strike a “grave crime” and accused Washington of destroying diplomatic channels by siding openly with Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday the attacks had crossed a ‘major red line”
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Last Updated: June 22, 2025, 18:41 IST
Trump instead relied on a tight inner circle of loyalists and military advisers including Vice President JD Vance
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US President Donald Trump sidelined two of his top national security officials — Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth — before authorising a surprise high-stakes military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, choosing instead to rely on a tight group of long-time loyalists and senior military insiders.
US President Donald Trump with Tulsi Gabbard — the Director of National Intelligence. (AP file photo)
Both Gabbard and Hegseth was not present in the final strategy sessions held at the White House.
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Trump instead relied on a tight inner circle of loyalists and military advisers including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, The Telegraph reported.
On Friday, Trump had dismissed Gabbard’s warning over Iran’s nuclear programme, declaring “she’s wrong”.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump went on saying, adding: “I think they were very close to having it.”
Gabbard had publicly stated earlier this year that Iran did not appear to be building a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, Hegseth, whose standing within the administration has reportedly weakened in recent months, was also not part of the core group that advised the US President ahead of the strike. His exclusion comes amid fallout from a recent internal leak investigation and public stumbles that have eroded his influence.
The US airstrikes, carried out late Saturday, hit nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, escalating the conflict as the Iran-Israel war entered its 10th day. The move came after days of speculation over whether Trump would commit US forces to support Israel’s military campaign against its arch-rival.
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Meanwhile, Tehran has called the US strike a “grave crime” and accused Washington of destroying diplomatic channels by siding openly with Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday the attacks had crossed a “major red line”.
ALSO READ: ‘Overwhelming Success’: US Defence Secy Details Washington’s ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ On Iran
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First Published: June 22, 2025, 18:40 IST
Chabahar, IMEC, and the Strait Squeeze: Why India’s trade ambitions face a new regional test amid Israel-Iran conflict
India has committed nearly Rs 1,000 crore (about $120 million) to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, Iran. The port helps India counterbalance Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, developed by China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) India is also leading the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a mega connectivity project launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023. But the conflict between Iran and Israel now puts India in a delicate diplomatic position. A strong tilt towards one side risks alienating the other. India heavily depends on the region for its energy needs. The Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to close, handles nearly one-fifth of global oil imports, which India needs for its fuel imports. The escalating Israel-Iran conflict may trigger fresh Western sanctions on Iran. If this shipping route is affected, cargo ships may need to take a much longer path around the Cape of Good Hope, which could add two extra weeks to travel time.
According to a report by PTI, the government is closely monitoring the situation arising from the Iran-Israel conflict. It is set to meet shipping lines, container firms, and other stakeholders this week to assess the impact on the country’s overseas trade and address any issues.
India, so far, has had good ties with both nations, Iran and Israel. Israel supplies defence equipment, and Iran promises connectivity through the Chabahar port.
Chabahar, which handles at least 1.9 million metric tons of cargo, now at risk?
India has committed nearly Rs 1,000 crore (about $120 million) to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, as Financial Express reported previously. In May 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran, gaining long-term operational control of the terminal.
Is this investment and trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, which does not permit Indian transit access, under threat?
According to annual report of The Ministry of water, shipping and waterways (2024-25), Chabahar Port has handled over 60,000 TEUs of container cargo and 1.9 million metric tons of bulk/general cargo during 2023-2024, reflecting a 43% increase in vessel traffic and a 34% rise in container traffic.
Chabahar helps India counterbalance Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, developed by China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The port supports India’s maritime strategy under the SAGAR vision, strengthening its presence in the Arabian Sea and reducing China’s influence in the region.
The escalating Israel-Iran conflict may trigger fresh Western sanctions on Iran. While the US had earlier granted sanctions waivers for Chabahar, the growing hostilities could force Washington to reconsider.
Chabahar port is also part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal route connecting India with Iran, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. This corridor provides a faster and cheaper alternative to the Suez Canal.
If this shipping route is affected, cargo ships may need to take a much longer path around the Cape of Good Hope, which could add two extra weeks to travel time and sharply raise shipping costs.
IMEC faces uncertainty amid conflict
India is also leading the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a mega connectivity project launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023. The corridor connects Indian ports to Europe via the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel.
According to PIB, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, while addressing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) High-Level Roundtable on 16 April, stated that IMEC is expected to reduce logistics costs by up to 30 per cent, cut transportation time by 40 per cent, and create seamless trade linkages across continents.
IMEC is seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. But the conflict between Iran and Israel now puts India in a delicate diplomatic position. Both countries are key partners. Israel backed India during its recent tensions with Pakistan, while Iran maintained a neutral stance and continued ties with both India and Pakistan.
India’s reaction to the current conflict could impact its position in both projects. A strong tilt towards one side risks alienating the other.
India’s exports to Israel and Iran could also get impacted
According to GTRI, India’s exports to Israel have fallen sharply to $2.1 billion in 2024-25 from $4.5 billion in 2023-24. Imports from Israel came down to $1.6 billion in the last fiscal from $2.0 billion in 2023-24.
Similarly, exports to Iran of $1.4 billion in FY24 could also suffer. India’s imports from Iran were at $441 million in FY25 as against USD 625 million in the previous year.
Though India maintains the trade surplus with both countries, the disruption in the trade route can be a cause of worry.
Energy lifeline under threat as Strait of Hormuz faces closure
India heavily depends on the region for its energy needs. Around two-thirds of India’s crude oil and half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that Iran has now threatened to close. The strait handles nearly one-fifth of global oil trade and is crucial for India, which imports over 80 per cent of its energy, according to GTRI.
GTRI believes if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked or disrupted due to military action, it could lead to a sharp rise in oil prices, shipping charges, and insurance premiums. This would increase inflation, put pressure on the rupee, and make budget planning difficult for the Indian government.
Red Sea tension resurfaces after Israel strikes Houthi targets
Israel’s June 14–15 airstrikes on Houthi rebel leaders in Yemen have reignited tensions in the Red Sea, a route already troubled by Houthi attacks on commercial ships.
“For India, this is another serious concern,” said Srivastava of GTRI. “Nearly 30 per cent of India’s exports to Europe, North Africa, and the US East Coast pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,” GTRI noted, as reported by PTI.
Cargo ships had only recently resumed sailing through the Red Sea after Houthi attacks halted movement following the October 7 Israel-Gaza conflict. Now, with fresh tensions, exporters worry about new delays and diversions.
The Red Sea is vital for 80 per cent of India’s trade with Europe and a large share with the US—together, these markets account for 34 per cent of India’s exports.
Israel and Iran enters day 5 of conflict
As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fifth day, Israel is intensifying its airstrikes on Tehran. The country launched a surprise attack on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities on June 13. US President Donald Trump cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada and issued a strong message on social media: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” and “Iran can not have a nuclear weapon,” he posted on X.
Trump creates tariff firewall against China, its companies turn attention to Brazil
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China’s decades-long push to secure energy dominance through partnerships with Iran is facing a major test as the Israel-Iran war threatens to choke Beijing’s oil supply lines and disrupt its regional ambitions. The fallout, combined with escalating trade tensions with Washington, is prompting a reorientation of Chinese corporate interests toward markets like Brazil, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Chinese President Xi Jinping this week urged restraint from all sides in the escalating Middle East conflict, while also criticising US interference in China’s trade with Iran. Yet, concerns in Beijing are mounting as Israel continues to target Iranian oil and nuclear facilities. Analysts say this not only jeopardises China’s access to cheap Iranian crude but also threatens its broader diplomatic and energy strategy in the region.
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“If this situation continues to escalate, then they lose quite a bit, both in terms of their energy security and Iran as a strategic card that China holds,” said Gedaliah Afterman of Israel’s Abba Eban Institute, speaking to FT.
Iran has become a vital energy partner for China, particularly since US-led sanctions intensified in 2018. China buys the bulk of Iran’s oil exports—reaching as much as 1.6 million barrels a day at its peak in 2024—and supplies Tehran with essential goods, including electronics, vehicles, and even nuclear equipment. But Iranian shipments to China dropped to 740,000 barrels a day by April, driven by fears of further sanctions and intensifying regional instability.
The risk of an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—through which billions of dollars in Gulf oil flows to China adds to Beijing’s anxiety. While some Chinese analysts say OPEC+ producers may fill the gap in a worst-case scenario, any broader disruption would drive up prices and hit China’s energy security.
China’s reliance on Gulf suppliers is significant. Besides Iran, Saudi Arabia is its largest oil provider outside Russia. In natural gas, over a quarter of China’s LNG imports last year came from Qatar and the UAE. Even with long-term contracts, Chinese importers may be forced to turn to the spot market at higher costs if the regional crisis widens.
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The FT report also highlights that President Xi’s broader strategy of energy self-sufficiency may now accelerate. China is already the world’s top user of oil, but under Xi, it has embarked on a massive renewable push. Solar and wind now make up 56% of total electricity power plant capacity, up from a third ten years ago.
“This crisis will only make Beijing double down,” said Neil Beveridge of Bernstein Research. “If it wasn’t happening fast enough before, it will be happening even faster now.”
At the same time, the US-China rivalry continues to simmer. Former President Donald Trump has moved to harden trade restrictions on Beijing, creating what analysts describe as a “tariff firewall.” Facing mounting pressure, many Chinese firms are increasingly eyeing Brazil as an alternative trade partner and investment destination, particularly in sectors like agriculture, green energy, and critical minerals.
Beijing’s broader diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East have also taken a hit. China’s influence surged with its mediation of the 2023 Saudi-Iran deal and its 25-year cooperation pact with Tehran. But analysts were quoted by FT as highlighting its role as a neutral broker has been diminished by the latest conflict and its cautious response.
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“The demise or the collapse of the Iranian system or the Iranian power as we knew it is not good news for China,” Yun Sun of the Stimson Center told FT. “That indirectly means that American influence has expanded.”
Experts echoed that for Beijing, the Israel-Iran war is a stark reminder of the vulnerability in its foreign energy bets and the geopolitical limits of its global aspirations.