As the fears are growing that Iran may pursue nuclear weapons development, reports indicate that Israel is actively preparing for potential pre-emptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, which had ruled for over five decades, has eroded Iran’s strategic influence in the region. Coupled with setbacks faced by its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and losses from aerial clashes with Israel, Iran’s deterrence capabilities appear weakened. Observers suggest that these developments could push Iran to accelerate its nuclear program as a safeguard against regional threats, particularly from Israel.
According to The Times of Israel, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) is intensifying its readiness to launch pre-emptive strikes, viewing the current regional turmoil as an opportunity to target Iran’s nuclear facilities. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials believe Iran may double down on its nuclear ambitions to compensate for its diminished deterrence.
While Iran officially suspended its nuclear weapons program in 2003, it has resumed uranium enrichment since the US withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under former President Donald Trump. Currently, Iran is enriching uranium to near-weapons grade levels, with experts estimating it could produce sufficient material for four nuclear weapons within weeks. However, developing warheads would take an additional 12 to 18 months.
US intelligence maintains that Iran has not yet decided to manufacture nuclear weapons, with no directive from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Still, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that any Iranian nuclear weapon represents an existential threat to Israel.
In October, Israel conducted a wave of airstrikes across Iran, reportedly targeting critical components of the nuclear program. Netanyahu confirmed that these strikes had delayed Iran’s progress, though he warned that significant challenges remain. Axios reported that the Taleghan 2 facility in the Parchin military complex was a key target, with sophisticated equipment essential for nuclear weapon production destroyed in the attacks.
Despite these setbacks, Iran’s nuclear program continues to advance, intensifying concerns in Israel and prompting further preparations for potential military action to neutralize the threat.
