Iran Vows to Expand Targets After U.S. Nuclear Strikes, Calls Trump a “Gambler”
Iran warned on Monday that the U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities has widened the scope of legitimate targets for its armed forces. Tehran accused U.S. President Donald Trump of recklessness for joining Israel’s military campaign against the Islamic Republic, labeling him a “gambler.”
Since the U.S. dropped massive bunker-buster bombs on key Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has issued repeated threats of retaliation. However, while Iran has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has so far refrained from directly targeting U.S. bases or interfering with the vital oil shipping lanes near its coast, through which around 20% of global oil passes.
“Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” declared Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, in a video statement delivered in English.
On Monday, Iran and Israel exchanged fresh waves of air and missile strikes as tensions escalated and the world awaited Tehran’s next move.
⚡ U.S. Goals vs. Trump’s Rhetoric
The Trump administration insists that the strikes aimed solely at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities—not triggering a broader war. Yet Trump’s social media posts hinted at more ambitious objectives, even suggesting regime change:
“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.
Experts analyzing satellite imagery report severe destruction at Fordow, Iran’s underground nuclear facility, with unconfirmed reports of destroyed uranium centrifuges. Trump celebrated the attack online, calling it a “Bullseye!!!”, adding: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran. The biggest damage took place far below ground level.”
🇮🇱 Israel Continues Its Offensive
Israel launched additional airstrikes overnight, targeting military installations in western Iran and near Tehran. The Israeli military said its warplanes struck missile and radar sites in Kermanshah and hit a surface-to-air missile launcher in the capital. Iranian media reported air defense activity in Tehran and strikes on the military complex at Parchin.
Tehran claims over 400 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the conflict began, while Iran’s retaliatory missiles have killed 24 civilians in Israel. Many residents have fled Tehran for the countryside to escape continued airstrikes.
⛽ The Oil Threat
Iran’s most powerful potential response remains its ability to disrupt global oil flows. On Monday, Brent crude briefly surged past $80 per barrel before stabilizing near $76, as traders weighed the risk of further escalation.
Iran’s parliament has approved closing the Strait of Hormuz, pending clearance from the Supreme National Security Council. Such a move could spark an economic crisis and direct military confrontation with the U.S. Navy, which patrols the region.
“It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that,” warned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
🌍 Diplomatic Maneuvers
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. While Russia maintains strategic ties with Iran, it also balances relations with Israel. Araqchi emphasized that Iran would not return to diplomacy until it had delivered its retaliation and confirmed ongoing coordination with Moscow.