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United States President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the U.S. conducted a "very successful attack" on three nuclear sites in Iran, targeting facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
Trump stated, "All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors," adding that "NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!"
The announcement was followed by the response of the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Araghci, saying that the operation “will have effects that will go to infinity.”
— Ali Bakir, Researcher and political analyst
How might the Gulf respond?
“Iran is in a very critical situation. If it responds by targeting U.S. bases or closing the Strait of Hormuz, it will be a suicidal stroke, as the U.S. will retaliate with full force. This could likely lead to the death of Khamenei, regime change, and the destruction of Iran. On the other hand, if Iran chooses not to respond, the regime will be humiliated and will likely have to surrender. The likelihood is that Iran’s leadership will eventually change, one way or another.”
Do you think Iran’s response to US bases could reverberate in Iraq or somewhere else?
“I don’t think Iran has any face left to save after Israel’s actions and the U.S. follow-up. The real question now is whether the regime will prioritize its survival and accept defeat, or if it will opt for the Samson option. Even if we assume Iran will attempt face-saving strikes and that the U.S. might accept them, how does that change the ultimate outcome? The likely result is Iran either surrendering or, in a worst-case scenario, committing suicide.”
— Annelle Sheline, Research fellow at Quincy Institute, former diplomat
A few progressive Democrats, including Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna, clearly recognize Trump's strike on Iran as illegal, given Iran posed no immediate threat, and also as politically damaging.
American voters have repeatedly signaled exhaustion from endless Middle Eastern conflicts. Though initial reactions may give Trump political momentum, this "mission accomplished" aura will dissipate, leaving many Republicans regretting their support as the complexity and costs of involvement deepen.
— Joe Hammoura, Middle Eastern affairs specialist
Do you think Hezbollah will remain intact enough to mount another move against Israel?
“At this stage, I do not believe Hezbollah will enter into a new war. The group has been significantly weakened by last year’s conflict and continues to face both domestic pressure and international scrutiny. Despite its ideological alignment with Iran, Hezbollah appears to be prioritizing its survival and Lebanon’s fragile stability over renewed confrontation. What matters now is its own survival. Consider that Israel has been attacking the party almost daily since the signing of the cease-fire, yet Hezbollah has refrained from any response.”
How do you think the developments in Iran might affect the situation in Lebanon?
“While developments in Iran are undoubtedly consequential, especially given the escalating conflict with Israel, Hezbollah’s current posture suggests a deliberate choice to avoid escalation—unless the situation dramatically shifts, such as with direct U.S. involvement or the potential fall of the Iranian regime. For now, restraint seems to be the prevailing strategy.”
— Gokhan Cinkara
This strike signals a fundamental shift in regional dynamics, as well as within Iran itself. Gokhan Cinkara suggests that the political influence of religious groups will significantly decline in the coming years, as the regime fails to address the needs of the people and is unable to sustain the narrative it has created.
The expert also believes that politicians and figures lacking genuine public support or authenticity, such as the Shah’s son, will struggle to remain relevant in the political landscape.
"I don't believe that inorganic, artificial individuals or politicians will have much of a place or future," he states, emphasizing that a public embroiled in conflict will not be swayed by figures who are promoted by those leading the war against Iran.
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