Iranian state media has declared that “every American soldier and citizen in the region is now a legitimate target,” following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—late Sunday.

The strikes, executed by B‑2 bombers using massive bunker‑buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles, mark the first direct U.S. military attack on Iranian soil since 1979. President Trump hailed the operation as a “very successful attack,” warning Tehran that further offensive measures will follow if Iran fails to pursue peace.

In retaliation, Iranian television ensued immediate threats against U.S. assets across the Middle East, heightening alarms for 40,000 American troops stationed in the region. Intelligence and security experts cautioned that Iran may respond through asymmetrical tactics such as terrorism or hostage-taking—evoking parallels to the 1979 embassy crisis. U.S. cities, including New York and Washington, have gone on heightened alert amid fears of terrorist backlash .

Global concern is mounting, with analysts and political leaders warning the move could spiral into a broader, protracted conflict. While the U.S. seeks to contain escalation, diplomats and the UN have urged immediate restraint to prevent regional destabilization. The situation remains extremely volatile, and international calls for dialogue are intensifying.