On Sunday, June 22, just after midnight local time, the United States, in Operation Midnight Hammer, hit three nuclear sites in Iran after days of sabre-rattling. Using so-called ‘bunker-buster’ bombs – GBU-57 MOPs – the attack targeted three enrichment facilities deep underground.
On Monday, June 23, midday, Iran responded with Operation Glad Tidings, striking Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, a critical fulcrum for U.S. Central Command. It gave advance warnings, although there was still slight panic in neighboring Gulf countries, where air sirens were blaring.
Later in the afternoon, President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account:
“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
He added:
“CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!”
What comes next? Here are five dimensions to guide the thinking moving forward.
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