US strikes Iran nuclear sites, leaving Tehran torn between war and retreat

Kamran Khan said Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump has plunged the Middle East into a new phase of conflict by directly attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities — a move Khan warned just days ago was imminent.

In the latest episode of his current affairs show On My Radar, Khan said the U.S. strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites mark a significant escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict. The strikes were carried out under “Operation Midnight Hammer,” reportedly involving B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles.

According to U.S. media, 14 bunker-buster bombs weighing 30,000 pounds were dropped on the underground Fordow facility, while GBU-57 bombs were used for the first time in U.S. history. Natanz and Isfahan were hit with 30 Tomahawk missiles.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, confirmed the attacks and described them as a “spectacular success,” warning Tehran that future strikes could be “even more devastating” if it does not dismantle its nuclear program.

Khan said the U.S. president appeared flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as he issued a final warning to Iran.

"The biggest surprise is that the U.S. jets flew 18 hours non-stop, refueled mid-air, and struck targets without being detected by Iranian radar — and not a single bullet was fired during the operation," Khan said.

Despite the scale of destruction, Iran has not reported any nuclear radiation leak, raising questions about whether critical materials were moved before the strike. Al Jazeera cited satellite images showing suspicious movement at Fordow days before the attack, suggesting Iran may have anticipated the strike.

Khan warned that Iran now finds itself “between the devil and the deep sea.” If Tehran retaliates, it risks all-out war with the United States. If it stays silent or backs down, the leadership could face national humiliation.

"Trump seems to believe a frightened Tehran will soon agree to unconditional talks," said Khan. "If so, this may allow Trump to achieve what previous presidents — Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden — failed to do: end Iran’s nuclear ambitions."

But if Iran stands its ground, Khan cautioned, the region could spiral into a long war.

So far, Iran has only targeted Israel with missile strikes and avoided directly hitting U.S. assets — a strategy Khan said indicated Tehran was trying to prevent U.S. entry into the war.

However, retired U.S. Central Command chief Gen. Joseph Votel warned that Washington should now assume Iran will respond. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier threatened that U.S. involvement would result in "irreparable damage" to American interests in the region.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran may now target U.S. military bases and embassies in the Middle East. Khan noted that the U.S. has more than 50,000 troops spread across at least 19 bases in countries including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE — all within range of Iranian missiles.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes and warned of serious consequences. The Financial Times described Trump's move as the riskiest gamble of his presidency, suggesting he wants to craft a legacy of military strength unrestrained by Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the U.S. action, calling it a "historic decision" that could reshape the region.

Khan said that while military options dominate headlines, Iran may also seek to close the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic waterway through which one-third of global oil passes. If that happens, oil prices could skyrocket and energy markets could face long-term instability.

One day before the strikes, Khamenei named five potential successors — including his son Mojtaba — in a move Khan described as significant amid the rising threat of war.

Despite Iran confirming the attacks on its nuclear sites, the full extent of damage — especially at the underground Fordow facility — remains unclear.

Russia and China, Iran’s strategic allies, have responded cautiously, issuing only formal statements and avoiding open opposition to the U.S. or Israel.

Britain, France, and Germany have met Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, while the UN Security Council and OIC have both convened emergency sessions. Still, Khan said, Iran appears diplomatically isolated.

"If Iran chooses to retaliate forcefully, the outcome could be disastrous," Khan warned. "But if it shows restraint, it risks losing its image as a resistance power."

Ultimately, Khan concluded, the moment is no longer about national pride but about the fate of 90 million Iranian citizens.

"Whatever decision Supreme Leader Khamenei makes now," Khan said, "must consider the pain, future, and survival of the Iranian people — not political ego."