Nine months after 12-day war, US, Israel seek to topple Iran’s leaders | Israel-Iran conflict
Escalating Tensions: Iran and Israel Exchange Strikes Amid Nuclear Negotiations
The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified over the weekend, following a series of military actions that have raised concerns about regional stability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory last June after a 12-day offensive against Iran, claiming it had severely damaged Tehran’s nuclear program. However, nearly nine months later, both Israel and the United States have renewed military operations, signaling a significant escalation in their longstanding confrontations with Iran.
The latest attacks occurred Saturday, coinciding with ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. At the conclusion of a third round of talks in Geneva on Thursday, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, who served as a mediator, reported “significant progress.” He indicated that Iran had agreed to eliminate its stockpile of enriched material and welcomed comprehensive verification measures from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are geared towards civilian purposes, dismissing allegations of intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
Netanyahu has long advocated for military initiatives aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, labeling Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat to Israel. According to US and Israeli officials, the recent strikes targeted key Iranian military officials, missile depots, and nuclear facilities. Iranian media reported attacks on multiple government and military sites, including the Ministry of Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, and the Atomic Energy Organisation.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israel and US military installations across the Gulf, including locations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Negotiations in Jeopardy
Netanyahu, who has been vocal about preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, previously opposed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities. Following the US’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, tensions escalated and further military actions against Iran were prompted.
The US has significantly bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, amidst these rising tensions. Analysts have noted that while Iran’s military capabilities are outmatched by those of the US and Israel, predicting the outcome of the current confrontation remains challenging.
U.S. officials express concern over the risk of becoming embroiled in a protracted conflict akin to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Recently, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conveyed warnings about potential risks, including the possibility of US casualties. In contrast, Vice President JD Vance assured the public that there is “no chance” the US will become mired in a long-term war in the Middle East.
As both sides engage in military maneuvers and diplomatic discussions, the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the broader implications for regional stability remain in jeopardy.
