Israel prepares for potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
What's the story
The Israeli military is reportedly gearing up for possible strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities as fears grow over Iran's potential development of nuclear weapons.
The development comes in the wake of regional instability following the fall of the Assad dynasty in Syria, which has compromised Iran's strategic position in West Asia.
The Times of Israel reported that military officials have confirmed the Israeli Air Force (IAF)'s ongoing readiness and preparations for such attacks.
Nuclear concerns
Iran's nuclear ambitions amid regional setbacks
Iran's influence in Lebanon via its proxy Hezbollah has also been diminished, and it is essentially without any air defense after it fought two rounds of aerial combat with Israel last week, US officials said.
Some observers believe that these setbacks could lead Iran to pursue nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Israel.
Although Iran officially halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003, it has enriched nuclear fuel to near-weapons-grade levels.
JCPOA impact
Iran's nuclear program and international agreements
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement had previously restricted Iran's civilian nuclear program and allowed monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
However, after former US President Donald Trump suspended the treaty in 2018, Iran ramped up its enrichment activities.
According to The New York Times, Iran could produce enough weapons-grade fuel for four nuclear weapons within weeks/days, though developing warheads would take 12-18 months.
Nuclear progress
US and Israeli assessments of Iran's nuclear capabilities
US intelligence assessments suggest that although Iran has near-weapons grade nuclear fuel, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has not authorized weapon development.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recent airstrikes have delayed Iran's nuclear progress but warned that "the pathway has not been blocked."
He added that while enrichment has advanced, other areas still require significant development.
Strategic strikes
Israel's efforts to hinder Iran's nuclear weapon production
Axios reported that Israel targeted the Taleghan 2 facility in the Parchin military complex, destroying equipment necessary for nuclear weapon production.
This equipment had been stored since before 2003, when Iran had not yet suspended its weapons program.
Israeli officials stress that this destruction is key to preventing Iran from being able to manufacture a nuclear weapon.