US, Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Following intense military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran but warned he is ready to authorize further strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program. Trump highlighted the severe damage to Iran's nuclear sites, particularly the Fordow bunker, asserting it would take years to recover and that the program has been effectively set back for a long time. Israeli operations also targeted financial networks supporting Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, aiming to disrupt funding for terrorist activities. Former Israel Defense Forces spokesman Maj. Doron Spielman described Iran as a 'paper tiger' incapable of backing its threats, suggesting internal dissent within Iran could grow as its people lose faith in the regime. However, some analysts warn that these strikes might harden Iran's resolve to pursue nuclear weapons and could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the Nonproliferation Treaty, damaging global nonproliferation efforts. Vice President JD Vance reiterated the United States' commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizing that any future attempts would face strong military retaliation.