The US has carried out an airstrike on three nuclear facilities in Iran, located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. US President Donald Trump stated that the primary goal of this operation was to eliminate the nuclear threat posed by Iran. According to Trump, all three facilities were completely and irreversibly destroyed.
This is reported by Business • Media
“There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran. If peace does not come quickly, we will pursue other targets. Most of them can be destroyed in a matter of minutes,” Trump said.
Strike on Nuclear Facilities: Operation Details
During the operation, the US used GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busting bombs for the first time, which are capable of striking fortified underground targets. Trump also warned the Iranian authorities against attempts at retaliation, noting that there are still many potential targets for further strikes in the country, and the attacked facilities were the most difficult to hit.
Possible Impact on the Global Oil Market
Despite the financial markets being closed at the time of the attack, analysts predict a significant rise in oil prices. The main threat remains the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil exports are transported. In such a scenario, the price per barrel could rise to $90, and in the case of a strong reaction from Iran, even to $100. Some experts believe that prices may be limited to a rise to $80, but do not rule out market stabilization in the long term.
Interestingly, the price of Russian Urals oil has already exceeded the threshold set by the G7 countries at $60 per barrel. However, the Russian Federation will not be able to gain significant benefits from the rising oil prices due to the strengthening of the ruble, as exports bring in 30% fewer rubles per barrel.