America Strikes Iran's Nuclear Core: Escalation in West Asia

Context: 

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase after the United States directly targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure. In a significant escalation, B-2 stealth bombers deployed by the U.S. bombed three major Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using bunker-busting bombs, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).

This move signals a drastic shift in U.S. policy and carries deep implications for regional stability, energy markets, and countries like India, which are closely tied to West Asia economically and strategically.

US Military Strikes: A Major Escalation

• The U.S. used B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to launch precision strikes on Iran’s fortified nuclear sites.

• The operation included the deployment of the GBU-57 MOP, capable of penetrating up to 60 meters of earth.

• The Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, located deep underground, was a key target.

• This marked the first known combat use of the GBU-57 bomb.

US-Israel Alliance at Its Peak

• The U.S. moved from indirect support to active military engagement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

• This demonstrates “iron-clad” backing of Israel’s stance that Iran is an existential nuclear threat.

• The joint operation enhances Israel’s strategic advantage, especially in targeting deeply buried facilities it could not destroy alone.

Trump's Policy U-Turn

• Former President Donald Trump, known for opposing "endless wars", had pledged to avoid military entanglements.

• Ordering strikes on Iran contradicts his previous promises, marking a sharp policy reversal.

A Strategic Win for Israel

• The U.S. strike achieved a long-standing Israeli objective—destroying deep nuclear facilities like Fordow.

• This marks Israel's strongest strategic position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s Weakening Security Position

• Continuous assaults by Israel and the U.S. have left Iran significantly weakened:

  • Over 600 Iranian casualties reported in just over a week.

  • Key Iran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah are facing heavy losses.

• Iran now finds itself at its weakest strategic point in over four decades.

Collapse of Iran’s Regional Influence

• Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” network—including Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis—has eroded.

• Israel's direct strikes on Iranian soil signify Tehran’s declining deterrence capability.

• Iran appears increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

International Concerns and Legal Challenges

• Iran has denounced the U.S. strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law.

• Comparisons are being drawn to the 2003 Iraq invasion, which was based on false claims of WMDs.

• Questions arise about Washington’s credibility and the legality of targeting a non-nuclear state.

Iran’s Nuclear Program Under Threat

• Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is under severe pressure.

• Its scientific and technical community now faces its toughest challenge in decades.

• The world is closely watching whether Iran will rebuild or pursue nuclear weaponization.

Strait of Hormuz: The Next Flashpoint

• Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending final clearance.

• The strait is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

Key Facts:

• 33 km wide, with 3 km shipping lanes in each direction.

• Handles over 25% of global seaborne oil trade.

• Facilitates 20% of global LNG exports, mainly from Qatar.

Blockade Scenarios and Global Fallout

• Iran could block or disrupt the strait using:

  • Sea mines

  • Missile or drone strikes

  • Seizure of vessels

  • Cyberattacks on navigation systems

• However, such actions could backfire:

  • Iran’s own oil exports to China would be hit.

  • It would jeopardize recent diplomatic gains with Gulf countries.

Impact on India: Energy and Economic Risks

• India imports:

  • Over 85% of its crude oil

  • About 50% of its natural gas

• Nearly 47% of India’s May 2025 crude imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

• A blockade would:

  • Disrupt energy supply

  • Trigger oil price spikes

  • Affect forex reserves, rupee value, and inflation

India’s Strategic Cushion

• Energy Diversification:

  • Imports from Russia, Africa, Latin America, and the U.S.

  • LNG from Qatar, Australia, and the U.S.

• Strategic Oil Reserves:

  • Cover 9–10 days of imports.

• Alternate Routes:

  • Russian oil reaches India via Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific routes.

Possible Government Measures

• If prices rise further (e.g., USD 80 per barrel), the Indian government may:

  • Subsidize diesel and LPG to contain inflation.

  • Boost diplomatic outreach to stabilize the region.

  • Tap into alternate suppliers, despite higher freight costs.

Challenges for India’s Connectivity Plans

• The ongoing instability threatens the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

• The project hinges on regional peace and maritime security.

• Prolonged conflict may derail long-term trade and strategic cooperation.