As the US and Israel intensify their military campaign against Iran, experts warn that American cities could be at risk if the conflict escalates into a nuclear confrontation. The joint offensive, which began on Saturday, has already triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran targeting US allies and military bases in the Gulf region.
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with "a force that has never been seen before" if Tehran retaliates for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike. The US goal, according to Trump, is regime change, and he has called on the Iranian people to "take back their country."
Iranian retaliation has so far focused on Israel and civilian infrastructure in the Arab Gulf states, including Dubai and Qatar. However, analysts caution that a wider war could lead to global economic turmoil and potentially draw in US cities if Iran possesses or develops nuclear capabilities.
The conflict has already caused severe disruptions to global aviation, with Dubai's airport—the world's busiest international travel hub—remaining shut. The Iranian navy has reportedly banned transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies, raising fears of a sharp jump in oil prices.
British Defence Secretary John Healey described the situation as "really serious and deteriorating," accusing Iran of "lashing out." He noted rising risks of indiscriminate retaliatory attacks. The US-Israel offensive marks the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against Iran.
