Iran threatens to strike Israel's nuclear reactor amid escalating conflict

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Iran issued a stark warning asserting that it would target Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor if the ongoing war escalates, particularly emphasizing that US military involvement would exacerbate the situation. The statement came from a high-ranking Iranian official during an interview with Al-Jazeera, highlighting Iran's concerns regarding American intervention in regional conflicts. The official claimed that attacks on US military installations would be a less complex task than striking deep within Israeli territories, given the extensive US presence in the region and the potential repercussions for US interests. Furthermore, the Iranian official asserted that their military capabilities were effective against Israeli targets, although Israel has allegedly downplayed the extent of the damage caused by recent attacks. He also indicated that Iran had yet to deploy its most advanced missile technology but planned to do so, providing insight into Iran’s military strategies and future intentions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards are reportedly equipped with information about the Israeli missile defense systems, suggesting they are planning their operations to exhaust Israel's interceptor capabilities. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran retains the right to defend itself should the US choose to escalate its involvement in the conflict. This declaration aligns with Iran's broader strategy of positioning itself against not just Israel but also its American allies in the region. Amid the tensions, US officials confirmed the deployment of B-2 bombers to Guam, a move interpreted as a potential show of force amidst President Donald Trump's deliberations over military intervention in support of Israel. The decision to relocate the bombers, capable of carrying powerful bunker-buster bombs, reflects an escalatory dynamic that could lead to a larger military confrontation. Moreover, reports indicate that these aircraft took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, although the Pentagon has maintained that there is no direct indication of an imminent strike. The drumbeat of military posturing continues, signifying increasing tensions and the potential for further action. Compounding the conflict, Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's Ansarallah movement, issued a warning that any aggressive moves by the US in support of Israel would prompt retaliation against American naval assets in the Red Sea, framing the conflict as part of a broader Zionist-American strategy aiming for dominance in the region. Ansarallah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated this stance, calling for a unified Islamic response to what he describes as a collective threat to the Islamic world posed by Israel and its backers. The intricate web of regional hostilities continues to unravel, revealing the complexities and the high stakes involved in the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US.