Some experts said they believe the U.S. strikes have the potential to lead to a "fork-in-the-road" moment that could result in Tehran taking an even more dangerous path.

Iran is assessing the damage and lashing out over the American and Israeli airstrikes that damaged its nuclear sites.

In its most chilling warning yet, Iran has vowed a far more devastating retaliation against Israel if aggression continues. Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi declared that Iran held back during its June 24 counterattack and did not unleash its full military capabilities.