Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran were some of the most dramatic military actions in the region in years. Using more than 50 fighter jets, Israel targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, including a key centrifuge production facility in Tehran. The stated goal was to slow down Iran’s nuclear program and send a strong message to Tehran and the world.
Limited Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Despite the scale of the attacks, experts and officials say the strikes have not significantly set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, argue that these operations were necessary to stop Iran from getting close to building a nuclear bomb. However, Israeli and U.S. intelligence assessments suggest the damage may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear progress by a few months.
U.S. intelligence reports indicate Iran is still at least three years away from being able to build and deliver a nuclear weapon, and there is no clear evidence that Iran is actively constructing one right now. This raises questions about whether the strikes achieved their main objective or simply provoked Iran further.
Civilian Suffering and Rising Tensions
The airstrikes did not just hit military targets. Civilian areas were also affected, leading to casualties and destruction of homes. This has fueled anger among ordinary Iranians, even those who do not support their government. Many in Iran now see Israel’s actions as justification for their country’s nuclear program, especially since Israel is widely believed to have its own nuclear arsenal.
The attacks have also increased support for Iran’s nuclear program among its citizens, despite the hardships caused by sanctions and conflict. The sense of injustice and the desire for a deterrent have only grown stronger.
A Difficult Target: Iran’s Fordow Facility
One of Israel’s biggest challenges is Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is buried deep under a mountain and protected against airstrikes. Destroying this site would likely require advanced U.S. bunker-busting bombs or even a ground operation—something Israel cannot do alone. This means much of Iran’s uranium enrichment capability remains intact.
Calls for Diplomacy Over Military Action
Israeli officials, including national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, admit that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear program. They suggest that only a strong international agreement, likely involving the United States, can truly halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the long run.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to favor further military action and has urged the U.S. to take a tougher stance. This approach risks further escalation and could isolate Israel internationally, especially if civilian casualties continue to rise.
What Comes Next?
If diplomacy fails and Iran continues to resist negotiations, Israel may turn to covert operations, such as sabotage or targeted attacks on nuclear infrastructure—tactics it has used in the past. Still, experts warn that military solutions are only temporary. As David Albright from the Institute for Science and International Security notes, Iran can rebuild its program once the attacks stop. A lasting solution, he argues, will require a rigorous deal with full inspections and international cooperation.
In the current scenario, although Israel’s strikes have demonstrated its military and intelligence capabilities, they have not stopped Iran’s nuclear program. The situation remains tense, and without a diplomatic breakthrough, the risk of further conflict and instability in the region is high.