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Iran and Israel exchange missile strikes as U.S. joins conflict, Strait of Hormuz closure looms
Jun 23, 2025Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile strikes, following a significant escalation involving U.S. military intervention. The crisis deepened after the United States launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict and a major disruption to global energy markets.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, broke his silence for the first time since the U.S. strikes, declaring that Israel had made “a big mistake” and warning that punitive actions against the country would continue. “The punishment is not over,” Khamenei said in a social media post.
The Iranian government has stated that its military is currently determining the nature, timing, and scale of its response, not only to Israel’s actions but also to what it has called blatant U.S. aggression. In a bold move, Iran’s Parliament unanimously passed a resolution proposing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime chokepoint that facilitates nearly 20% of the world’s oil trade and a significant volume of global liquefied natural gas shipments.
Although the resolution still requires approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the mere possibility of a closure has already sent shockwaves through international markets. Oil prices have surged, with some analysts forecasting prices well above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed. Major shipping firms have begun rerouting or placing fleets on high alert.
The U.S. Department of Defense has responded by placing American military forces across the region on heightened alert. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential naval operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. officials have described as essential to global energy and economic stability.
Diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation are underway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow today for urgent consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. Iran is expected to seek increased diplomatic and possibly military support from its allies.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres convened an emergency session of the Security Council, pleading for immediate de-escalation. “The world cannot afford another war in the Middle East,” Guterres said. “Diplomacy must prevail.”
The session was called by Russia and China, who jointly proposed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, insisted that Tehran retains the right to defend itself against U.S. attacks. Meanwhile, Israel’s representative, Danny Danon, dismissed the criticism and praised the U.S. strikes, claiming they have made the world safer.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya sharply criticized Washington, saying, “The United States has opened Pandora’s box and shown no interest in diplomacy.”
In Washington, President Donald Trump signaled an increasingly hardline stance, hinting at potential regime change in Iran. In a social media post, Trump questioned whether Iran’s current leadership is capable of leading the country forward. “If this regime cannot make Iran great again, perhaps it’s time for new leadership,” he wrote.
Australia has voiced support for the U.S. actions. Foreign Minister Penny Wong backed President Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites while simultaneously calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic dialogue.
With no sign of de-escalation in sight, and the risk of a major maritime blockade looming, the international community is bracing for a crisis that could reshape the geopolitical and energy landscape of the Middle East — and the world.
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