US Attack on Iran and the Security Dilemma in the Middle East

The United States has decided to attack Iran. The airstrike, involving seven B-2 bomber aircraft, targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

In addition to involving bombers, Iran's nuclear installations were also attacked by US submarines operating in Middle Eastern waters. US President Donald Trump accompanied by Vice President JD Vance monitored military operations through the Situation Room on Saturday, June 21, 2025 (The Atlantic, 6/22/2025).

The operation was successful. In fact, Trump referred to the operation as one of the most effective military operations because it was able to achieve its targets with precision and had a shocking effect on Iran.

"We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home," wrote Trump via his Twitter account (X).

For Iran, the sudden attack by the US is certainly a severe blow. This is because, in recent months, Washington has not shown any intention to directly attack Iran. Moreover, on Thursday, Trump still demonstrated goodwill by giving Iran the opportunity to negotiate at the negotiating table within a two-week period.

The presence of the US on the battlefield is certainly not a scenario that Iran has prepared because in the past two weeks Iran has only considered Israel as the only enemy that has been directly involved in exchanging attacks. Since June 13, 2025, Israel has started military operations targeting military installations and buildings that are considered to be the center of Iran's military operations. As a result of attacks by Israeli fighter jets and drones, 9 high-ranking military and intelligence officers and 9 Iranian nuclear scientists were killed amidst the ruins of buildings (Time, 6/21/2025).

The loss of a number of generals and scientists triggered Iran to retaliate. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered retaliation. Iran then launched drones and long-range missiles into Israel. There were hundreds of rockets flying over Tel Aviv and Israeli cities. However, due to Western support, only a few were able to hit Israeli military assets and civilian buildings.

Iran is one of the signatory countries of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT contains commitments from the signatory countries not to develop nuclear technology for the purpose of armament. Countries are restricted to conducting research solely for peaceful purposes.

The NPT has been in effect since 1970 at the initiative of the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. All activities of the countries involved in this treaty are monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

So far, the IAEA has been regarded as a monitor expected to observe the development of nuclear technology research in all countries around the world. Specifically in the case of Iran, the IAEA often serves as a buffer that is hoped to provide legitimacy for punishing Iran. Research conducted by Iranian nuclear scientists is suspected of violating regulations, which has become a trigger for provocations by Israel in the United Nations forum (Al Jazeera, 17/6/2025).

On one hand, Iranian leaders have a desire to remain independent in various sectors, including energy. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has consistently positioned itself as an opponent of Israeli and Western hegemony in the Middle East. Iran has become a driving force of the resistance movement in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen. Iran's stance in opposition to the West is the reason why it has been under embargo until today.

On the other hand, Israeli leaders view Iran as a threatening actor whose power must be curtailed, limiting its access to nuclear capabilities in order to weaken any developments in Iran. In fact, on several occasions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has utilized the stage of the UN General Assembly to convey the narrative regarding Iran's possession of nuclear weapons. This accusation has subsequently become a trigger for tensions in the relationship between Iran and the West.

The nuclear issue is one of several factors that have triggered tensions in the relationship between the United States and Iran. During the Barack Obama era, the Iranian nuclear issue was attempted to be resolved through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) mechanism. Obama chose the path of negotiation with Iran, but that commitment lasted only from 2015 to 2018.

In 2018, Donald Trump, who succeeded Obama, decided to withdraw from the agreement by adopting a more assertive approach towards Iran. Now, after Trump has returned to the White House, he is truly punishing Iran by offering only two options: peace or tragedy.

The unilateral attack by the United States on Iran certainly triggers a diplomatic crisis. This is because the United States has long been regarded as a patron of international norms and upholder of international law. However, observing the tendencies of U.S. leadership under Trump, there is a tendency to side with Israel and turn a blind eye to the facts of violations committed by Israel. This has made Washington tend to be ambivalent in formulating policies in the region.

As a country with robust infrastructure, Iran has the capacity to retaliate against attacks from Israel and the United States. Therefore, there is a possibility of potential attacks on US and Israeli military assets in the region.

Moreover, the Iranian parliament's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz will have a domino effect that will impact the global economy. Goldman Sachs predicts that if the Strait of Hormuz continues to be disrupted, there is a potential for crude oil prices to rise to 110 US dollars (Reuters, 23/6/2025).

U.S. allies in the region do not fully agree with the actions of the U.S. and Israel. Gulf countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The OIC condemned the actions of Israel and the U.S. against Iran, as they are considered to violate international law.

In addition, Iran also proposed an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council with the support of Russia, China, and Pakistan. The UN Security Council meeting recommended an immediate ceasefire.

The current situation reminds us of the crisis in 1981, when Israel attacked Iraq's Osirak nuclear facility, which then sparked international condemnation. However, the world has never imposed a commensurate punishment on Israel due to support from the US and its allies. The West's double standards will only perpetuate an unending cycle of resentment.

This situation can certainly serve as a lesson for Indonesia. First, from Iran, we can learn about their resilience in maintaining the spirit of independence in the fields of technology and science. The ongoing embargo has opened up space for Iran to develop powerful domestically produced weapons for self-defense and to possess the capability to develop nuclear technology for various purposes.

Secondly, Indonesia, as part of the international community, needs to consistently voice global aspirations that align with the doctrine of an independent and active foreign policy. One way to achieve this is by strengthening the networks of the OIC and the Global South, which have been striving to attain the ideals of prosperity and a more just world order.

M Syaroni Rofii, Lecturer of National Resilience Studies, University of Indonesia, Observer of Middle East Issues