The United States has struck a major ammunition depot in the Iranian city of Isfahan using 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, according to a US official cited by The Wall Street Journal. The official said a significant number of penetrator munitions were deployed in the strike.
Donald Trump also shared an uncaptioned video on Truth Social, showing a series of explosions illuminating the night sky, which the official said captured the strike in progress.
Where is Isfahan and why is it important? Isfahan is a major city in central Iran, located south of the capital, Tehran, along the Zayandeh River. The city is strategically significant because it lies at the intersection of Iran’s nuclear programme, military infrastructure and symbolic national importance. Isfahan province hosts several facilities linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, as well as key defence industries. Among them is the Esfahan Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Centre (NFRPC), which plays a role in uranium processing. The region is also home to Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, which specialises in aerospace production, helicopter maintenance, and military equipment. Together, these factors make Isfahan one of Iran’s most critical strategic hubs.
Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Iran Earlier, Trump warned of widespread destruction targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and other critical facilities, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the conflict is not reached “shortly.” He also claimed that Washington is engaging with Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. However, Iranian officials rejected the assertion, insisting no direct negotiations are taking place and accusing the US of misrepresenting diplomatic efforts.
Conflict Spreads Beyond Iran The broader conflict continues to intensify across the region. Israel has launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon aimed at pushing back Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, raising fears of a prolonged occupation. At least three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours, though responsibility for the incidents remains unclear.
Maritime and Energy Risks Grow In the Gulf, a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai, sparking a fire that was later contained with no reported injuries. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting its capital, Riyadh. Rising insecurity has also affected global markets, with oil prices climbing amid uncertainty over the duration of the conflict, while US stocks edged higher in volatile trading.
Gulf Allies Push for Continued Pressure Behind the scenes, Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain are urging Washington to continue its military campaign, arguing that Iran has not yet been sufficiently weakened. Some officials reportedly favor escalating pressure further, with the UAE seen as advocating a more aggressive approach, including the possibility of a ground operation. At the same time, regional leaders are attempting to prevent further escalation. Talks involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan in Jeddah focused on coordinating responses and mitigating the economic fallout of the war. However, divisions persist, with countries such as Oman and Qatar traditionally favoring diplomatic solutions over prolonged military action.
Wider Security Concerns The conflict’s ripple effects are being felt globally. In the United States, the FBI said a recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan was inspired by Hezbollah, highlighting concerns over potential spillover beyond the region.
Inputs from agencies
