NEW DELHI: In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States launched precision airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—using advanced bunker-buster bombs. The strikes, reportedly carried out in close coordination with Israel, have sparked fears of a broader regional conflict.

According to defence sources, the targeted sites were part of Iran's suspected nuclear weapons development programme. The Fordow facility, located deep underground near Qom, was hit along with the Natanz enrichment complex and the Isfahan uranium conversion centre.

The Pentagon said the strikes were "pre-emptive and necessary" to prevent Iran from making rapid nuclear advancements, while Tehran condemned the action as an "act of war" and vowed "severe retaliation." Iranian state media reported "limited damage" but warned that the attacks had crossed a red line.

Global reaction was swift. European Union leaders called for restraint, warning that closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz by Iran would be "extremely dangerous" for world energy supplies. Oil prices surged to a five-month high amid fears of disruption to Gulf shipping lanes.

China and Russia strongly condemned the US action, accusing Washington of destabilising the region. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to discuss the unfolding crisis.

Analysts warned that the situation could spiral rapidly, with Iran's parliament set to debate suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively ending external oversight of its nuclear programme.

Meanwhile, airlines are reviewing flight operations over the region amid safety concerns, raising the spectre of widespread air travel disruption.