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June 23, 2025
What’s happening in terms of NZ and its stance on Israel, Gaza and now Tehran?
Waatea Team
Posted On June 23, 2025
Download AudioWhat’s happening in terms of NZ and its stance on Israel, Gaza and now Tehran?
Update:
In a significant escalation, the U.S. military carried out a large-scale air operation; dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities overnight on 21 June 2025. The strikes involved: Seven B‑2 stealth bombers undertaking a secret 18-hour mission, supported by Tomahawk cruise missiles from a submarine and fighter jets for air cover. Deployment of 14 GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs, each weighing ~30,000 lb- a tactical choice aimed at penetrating fortified underground sites. U.S. military officials claim the operation achieved complete surprise, disabling Iranian air defences and reaching targets undetected. President Trump described the strikes as “very successful,” declaring the nuclear sites were “obliterated” and signaling readiness for further strikes if Iran does not agree to peace
Iran condemned the bombing, promising “unforgettable” retaliation and stating it will not resume diplomacy until after striking back; Russia warned that any use of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons would be catastrophic, though U.S. officials say that option is not under active consideration; China and Europe denounced the strikes, urging de-escalation, adherence to the UN Charter, and a return to diplomacy; Israel’s PM Netanyahu praised the action as a historic move to neutralise a nuclear threat; Experts cautioned that while infrastructure can be damaged, Iran’s nuclear expertise cannot simply be eradicated, and retaliation via missile strikes or disruption of Gulf oil flows remains likely.
The U.S. has dramatically escalated the Israel-Iran conflict through a major direct military strike, targeting deeply buried nuclear facilities with unprecedented precision. While the operation inflicted substantial physical damage and achieved tactical surprise, it also raises the stakes for a broader regional conflagration. With Iran promising retaliation, Europe calling for restraint, and the global economic outlook under threat, the coming days will be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can interrupt the slide into full-scale war.
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