The United States military launched strikes against three key Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, June 21, 2025. President Trump, in a national address, hailed the operation as a "spectacular military success," stating the strikes aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and prevent further nuclear threats. The targeted sites included Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strikes as "an incredible and overwhelming success," emphasizing that the operation avoided targeting Iranian troops or civilians.
These strikes follow escalating tensions in the Middle East, triggered by Israel's Operation Rising Lion, which aimed to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. Tehran responded with retaliatory actions, further heightening regional instability. The US actions have drawn mixed reactions from the international community. While some nations have expressed support, citing the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, others have called for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The United Nations has expressed "grave alarm" over the situation.
In response to the escalating conflict, India initiated "Operation Sindhu" to evacuate its citizens from Iran. As of June 22, 2025, over 1400 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated, including students and pilgrims. Many evacuees shared their experiences of living in fear and uncertainty as the conflict intensified. The Indian government has been praised for its swift action and well-coordinated rescue efforts. In addition to Indian citizens, India has extended its evacuation efforts to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following requests from their respective governments. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has provided emergency contact information for Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens seeking assistance.
The evacuation process has involved multiple flights from Iranian cities like Mashhad and Tehran, as well as neighboring Turkmenistan's Ashgabat. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively coordinating the operation, with officials receiving the evacuees upon their arrival in India. The government has expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for facilitating the evacuation process. Operation Sindhu highlights India's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens abroad during times of crisis.