In a sharp escalation on day 61 of the 2026 US-Iran war, Iran has issued its strongest threat yet after a powerful strike hit the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on its southern coast.

The facility, Iran’s only operational nuclear power station, was struck by a precision attack that caused significant damage to key infrastructure and cooling systems. Thick smoke was seen rising from the complex as emergency teams rushed to contain the situation. While no major radiation leak has been confirmed, Iranian officials claim the strike was “a criminal act of nuclear terrorism” carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Iran’s Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with fury, vowing an “unprecedented and crushing retaliation.” In a fiery televised address, IRGC commanders declared they would now consider “all options on the table,” including a “major war” that could engulf the entire Middle East, threaten every U.S. base in the region, and completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz.

This latest development comes as the United States continues its aggressive campaign, with B-2 Spirit bombers, A-10 Warthogs, and F-35 squadrons actively striking Iranian targets. A full U.S. carrier strike group remains firmly in control of the Strait of Hormuz, supported by over 13,000 Marines and dozens of V-22 Ospreys.

U.S. Central Command reports nearly 200 American troops injured across the theater with 13 confirmed deaths. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s threats, stating: “They talk big, but they’re getting weaker every day. If they want a major war, they’re going to get one — and they won’t like the results.”

Brent crude prices surged past $132 per barrel as global markets panicked over the possibility of full closure of the Strait of Hormuz and fears of a wider regional conflict.

Iran now appears cornered and increasingly reckless, raising the specter of dangerous escalation as the regime threatens to set the entire region ablaze.

The situation is extremely volatile and developing by the hour.