Tonchi Tadic: 'Saudi Arabia wants nuclear energy because Iran is closer to a nuclear arsenal'

The U.S. military conducted a series of attacks against targets in Iran early Thursday, according to a statement released by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes were described as a powerful response to Iranian attempts earlier in the week to strike American forces in the Middle East with ballistic missiles. According to CENTCOM, the targets included command centers, facilities for producing ballistic missiles and drones, coastal surveillance and defense installations, and maritime assets. The attacks took place during the night and aimed to further reduce the threat posed by Iran and its proxies to U.S. forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. military confirmed that Tehran had launched several ballistic missiles toward American forces in the Middle East early Wednesday, marking the first recorded attack by Iran since Washington halted its strikes on Iranian targets over the weekend. According to CENTCOM, all projectiles were intercepted, though the specific locations targeted by Iran were not disclosed. Iranian state television cited statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming that the missiles struck an American military base in Jordan. Jordanian armed forces announced they had intercepted five ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Following these developments, U.S. forces and their ally Saudi Arabia carried out attacks in Iraq targeting individuals the U.S. military described as terrorists supported by Iran. CENTCOM stated that these operations were in response to more than 30 drone attacks by the IRGC over the past three days. The timing of the U.S. strikes coincided with reports of explosions in southern Iran. State media linked to the IRGC, including the Fars News Agency, reported that the attacks occurred on Kish Island in the Strait of Hormuz and in the Bushehr province. The sequence of events began on Wednesday morning when Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles toward U.S. positions in the region. This followed a period of relative calm after the U.S. suspended its attacks on Iranian sites over the weekend. The Iranian government has long been accused of supporting militant groups in the region, and recent tensions have escalated due to ongoing conflicts involving U.S.-backed forces and Iranian-backed militias. According to CENTCOM, the U.S. military's actions were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to conduct future attacks and protect regional stability. The attacks on Iranian infrastructure were part of a broader strategy to disrupt Iran’s military capabilities and deter further aggression. The U.S. military emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned and executed to minimize collateral damage while achieving strategic objectives. In response to the U.S. strikes, Iranian officials have condemned the actions as an escalation of hostilities. The IRGC has warned of potential retaliatory measures, although no immediate plans have been announced. Meanwhile, regional allies of both the United States and Iran have expressed concern over the rising tensions and called for de-escalation efforts. The situation highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East, where the U.S. and Iran have been locked in a prolonged conflict over influence and security. Recent months have seen a series of incidents involving drone attacks, missile launches, and cross-border clashes, all contributing to an increasingly volatile environment. The latest attacks underscore the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the risk of renewed large-scale conflict. Military analysts suggest that the U.S. will continue to monitor Iran’s activities closely and maintain a readiness posture to respond to any further provocations. At the same time, diplomatic channels remain open, with international mediators seeking to facilitate dialogue between the two sides. However, the effectiveness of such efforts remains uncertain given the deep-seated mistrust and competing interests between the U.S. and Iran.