Following the U.S. led airstrike known as Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted nuclear facilities across Iran on June 22, 2025, global attention has shifted to how Iran is responding and what actions, if any, might follow. While the operation was executed swiftly and without immediate retaliation.
Iranian officials moved quickly to downplay the strike. State broadcasters reported that the damage to the affected facilities Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan was limited and that no lives were lost. Within hours, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the operation as a violation of its sovereignty but stopped short of declaring direct retaliation. The statement emphasized that Iran reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khamenei, issued a stern declaration, labeling those responsible as Zionist enemies who have made a serious mistake and must be punished. In a follow-up message on X , he emphasized ongoing punishment of Israel, implying Iran will pursue retaliation though without specifying timeline or method. Iran’s military elevated readiness levels, with the Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly placing air defenses on alert. However, no direct strikes against U.S. forces were reported
Analysts suggest Tehran is opting for a calculated approach. Iran lodged a formal complaint at the United Nations Security Council, describing the attacks as a sovereignty violation. Tehran is seeking international support and leveraging diplomatic channels to argue that the strikes deliberately target civilian infrastructure and disrupt diplomacy .
Reports suggest Iran’s planners are aligning next steps carefully to ensure responses stay within agreed lines escalation limited to avoid full‑scale war. As of now, Iran seems to be showing measured patience, with no reports of any counterattacks within the last 24 hours. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strong statement and promise of punishment appear aimed at reassuring the public and Iran’s regional allies. His message also suggests a desire to avoid a larger conflict. He made it clear that any response will happen at a time and in a way Iran chooses.
What happens next is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether Iran is quietly planning a response or if peace talks or a ceasefire could be introduced. For now, only time will tell.
