Could Iran Strike Back at the US? Key Questions Behind the Iran-Israel Conflict in June 2025

Why Did Israel Strike Iran Now?

Did you know that Israel launched a massive wave of airstrikes on Iran starting June 13, 2025? Israel’s leadership claims it had no choice: with nuclear negotiations stalled and Iran accelerating uranium enrichment, Israeli officials argued that a preemptive strike was the only way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israel sees Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat, especially since Iran’s leaders have repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction. However, not all international observers agree with Israel’s assessment. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and recent US intelligence reports did not confirm that Iran was on the brink of building a nuclear bomb. Despite this, Israel’s actions have transformed a long-simmering rivalry into open warfare, with devastating consequences for both nations.

How Are Civilians in Iran Coping With the Bombardment?

If you think life in Tehran is tense, you’re right. After Israeli airstrikes hit parts of the Iranian capital, the government issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods near military and nuclear sites. But with over 10 million people in the city, mass evacuation is nearly impossible. Videos of traffic jams heading north from Tehran have gone viral, showing desperate families seeking safety. Even the city’s subway stations have been opened as 24-hour shelters. Yet, nowhere is truly safe: Israeli strikes have hit not just military targets but also hospitals and residential areas, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries. Community forums and social media reflect a mix of fear, anger, and exhaustion among Iranian civilians, with many blaming both their own government and Israel for the chaos.

Could Iran Really Target the United States?

Here’s the million-dollar question: if the US intervenes, could Iran hit back? The answer is yes, but with caveats. Iran’s leaders and allied militias have threatened to attack US military bases across the Middle East if America joins the fight. With 40,000–50,000 US troops stationed in about 19 locations from Bahrain to Cyprus, the risk is real. In fact, Iran-backed groups in Iraq have already warned that American bases could become ‘hunting grounds’ if Trump orders direct intervention. The US administration is treading carefully, with President Trump weighing his options and moving military assets into the region. However, US public opinion is largely against entering another Middle Eastern war, and the White House has left its intentions deliberately ambiguous.

What Role Do Iran’s Proxies Play in This Conflict?

You might wonder: can Iran’s allies like Hezbollah or the Houthis help in this crisis? Right now, not really. Israel has systematically targeted and weakened Iran’s regional proxies over the past year. Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have suffered heavy losses, and Syria, once a key Iranian ally, is no longer a reliable partner. The Houthis in Yemen, while still active, face logistical challenges in launching attacks. As a result, Iran is largely fighting alone, unable to mount a coordinated regional response. This isolation is a major shift from previous Middle Eastern conflicts, where proxy warfare was the norm.

How Close Is Iran to Building a Nuclear Bomb?

This is the question on everyone’s mind. As of June 2025, Iran is enriching uranium to 60%—far above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, but still short of weapons-grade (90%). The IAEA recently declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years, warning that Iran now has enough material for multiple bombs if it chooses to enrich further. Israeli officials claim Iran could build a bomb in weeks, but US intelligence is more cautious, noting that weaponization—the process of turning enriched uranium into a deliverable warhead—would take one to two years. Iran insists its program is peaceful, but its secrecy and refusal to allow full inspections have fueled international suspicion.

What Is the Status of Iran’s Nuclear Sites Like Fordow?

Fordow, a heavily fortified enrichment facility buried deep in the mountains south of Tehran, has become a focal point of the conflict. Israel reportedly targeted Fordow and other key sites like Natanz and Isfahan in its initial strikes, aiming to cripple Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While some damage has been confirmed, Fordow’s deep underground location makes it difficult to destroy, even with the US’s most powerful ‘bunker-buster’ bombs. US officials are debating whether to join Israel in a direct attack on Fordow if negotiations fail, but the risks of escalation are enormous. Community discussions in Korea and beyond have highlighted both the technical challenges and the potential for catastrophic fallout if these sites are hit.

What Happens If Iran’s Regime Collapses?

It’s a scenario that worries everyone from diplomats to ordinary Iranians. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds almost absolute power, but his support base is divided. Mass protests in recent years have shown deep dissatisfaction, especially among women and young people. However, there is no unified opposition ready to take over. Some look to exiled figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, but many Iranians—especially reformists—reject a return to monarchy. If the current regime were to fall, the resulting power vacuum could lead to chaos, civil war, or even greater regional instability.

What Are the Wider Regional and Economic Impacts?

The Israel-Iran conflict isn’t just a local issue—it’s shaking the entire world. The threat of the Strait of Hormuz being closed by Iran looms large, as this narrow waterway carries 20% of the world’s oil supply. Already, global oil prices have spiked, and energy and defense stocks are surging. European and Asian governments are scrambling to mediate, but with little progress. Korean blogs and financial analysts warn that prolonged conflict could trigger a global recession, disrupt supply chains, and drive up inflation. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries fear being dragged into a wider war, especially if the US or Russia gets involved.

How Are Online Communities and International Audiences Reacting?

If you browse Korean forums like DC Inside, FM Korea, and Naver, you’ll see intense debate. Some users express sympathy for Iranian civilians, while others worry about oil prices and the risk of a global war. There’s skepticism about both Israeli and Iranian government narratives, with many calling for restraint and diplomacy. Internationally, Western audiences are divided: some back Israel’s right to self-defense, while others fear another endless war in the Middle East. The conflict has also reignited discussions about nuclear non-proliferation and the limits of military power in solving deep-rooted political disputes.

Cultural and Historical Context: What Should Foreign Readers Know?

Understanding this conflict requires a sense of history. The Iran-Israel rivalry is rooted in decades of ideological, religious, and geopolitical tension. Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979 transformed it from a pro-Western monarchy to a theocratic state hostile to Israel and the US. Israel, for its part, has always viewed a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. The use of proxies, covert operations, and cyberattacks has defined their shadow war—until now. For global fans of Korean pop culture or international affairs, this is a moment to watch: the outcome will shape not just the Middle East, but the future of global security and diplomacy.