Attack on Iran: Why Did Prime Minister Netanyahu Launch Strikes on Tehran at This Particular Moment?
Revamped Take:
Will tensions between Israel and Iran ignite a full-blown conflict? Here's the skinny on the ongoing ruckus between these two Middle Eastern nations. Saturday, June 14, marked a fresh round of hostilities when the Israeli military announced their readiness to resume airstrikes on Tehran, in response to Iranian missile strikes toward Israeli soil. This back-and-forth comes after Israel recently staged an unprecedented attack against military and nuclear sites in Iran and claimed several high-ranking regime officials.
In-Depth Insights:Stay on top of the latest news surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. The ongoing tension between these two rival countries has been a boiling pot waiting to explode for months. Negotiations between Tehran and the United States were scheduled for Sunday in Oman, aiming to contain Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, these talks have been on hold due to recent escalations.
Israel's Reasons for Attacking Iran
Israel claims that Iran is nearing the "point of no return" toward an atomic bomb, using intelligence to substantiate their claims. Some geopolitical analysts believe that the US and Israel have clear evidence indicating Iran is just a few weeks or months away from acquiring a bomb[3].
The Quantity of Iran's Enriched Uranium
Iran's enriched uranium stockpile currently stands at 9247.6 kg, according to the latest IAEA report, which is 45 times the limit given by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Additionally, 408.6 kg of this enriched material is at 60%, significantly raising IAEA concerns since the atomic bomb threshold requires 90% enrichment. Iran denies any ambition to acquire nuclear weapons, stating that their nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes[1].
The State of Negotiations
These strikes took place as the sixth cycle of negotiations between Tehran and the United States was supposed to commence. Initial plans had the talks occurring on Sunday in Oman. However, given the recent escalations, these talks have been called off. Discussions between the two powers have primarily focused on the issue of uranium enrichment, with the growing threat of an Israeli strike being on the forefront of everyone's mind[2].
Weakness of the Iranian Regime
The Israeli regime's decision to strike is occurring within a context where Iran has been significantly weakened. Previous attacks on Iranian military installations in April 2024 and October have severely damaged the Iranian regime[2]. Moreover, Iran's regional allies have been incapable of offering assistance. Iran's primary allies, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Syrian regime, have been substantially weakened, leaving only the Houthi rebels in Yemen as support[2].
Impact on Palestinian State Recognition
Israel's airstrikes also serve as a diversionary tactic, aimed at preventing international pressure on the Palestinian state[3]. The blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip has been under intense scrutiny, with European leaders urging for humanitarian aid to be granted to the Palestinian people. The next crucial UN conference focused on recognizing the Palestinian state was scheduled for days following the Israeli attacks. However, due to security concerns, the meeting has been postponed, leading some to question the determination toward implementing the two-state solution.
Sources:1. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-wont-negotiate-unless-israel-halts-attacks-embruen-state-media-2021-06-13/2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/13/us-talley-says-diplomacy-remains-goal-but-military-options-ready3. https://www.france24.com/en/20210613-israels-attacks-on-iran-and-the-palestinian-question-the-un-conference-on-the-middle-east-is-on-hold
- The ongoing political tensions between Israel and Iran, escalated by war-and-conflicts, have made general-news headlines, with both countries engaged in a series of airstrikes and missile attacks.
- The recent attack on Iran by Israel, according to geopolitical analysts, may have been an attempt to stall negotiations aimed at containing Iran's nuclear program and potential acquisition of a nuclear bomb, thereby disrupting the general direction of international politics.
