Israel's recent attack on various targets in Iran has shocked many due to its sudden and unprecedented nature, especially following the 2024 Iranian strike on Israel. This attack was a response to Israel's previous strike on Iranian military personnel in Damascus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the attack as necessary to prevent the existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, just months prior, US President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stated that Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons, contradicting Netanyahu's claims.

The decision to bomb Iranian targets was not based on an imminent threat, but rather on the opportunity presented. Israel had long desired to carry out such an attack, but political and military conditions had not been favorable until now.

Following Israel's air attack in October 2024, Iran's air defenses were significantly weakened, making it an opportune time for Israel to strike. The degradation of Tehran's 'Axis of Resistance' over the past 18 months, particularly Lebanese Hezbollah, further contributed to Israel's decision to act.

For more insights on this situation, read the opinion piece by Middle East and security analyst Rodger Shanahan here.