Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently launched a military strike on Iran in hopes of either halting its nuclear program or replacing the regime with a more compliant one. However, the truth is that no Iranian government, past or future, will give up its nuclear ambitions. In fact, attacking Iran's nuclear sites has only pushed the Islamic Republic to expedite its quest for a nuclear deterrent.

Iran's interest in nuclear capabilities dates back to the time of the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who significantly advanced the country's civilian nuclear program in 1974. Concerns about a nuclear Iran triggering proliferation in the Middle East have been long-standing, with the US expressing worries even then.

Despite efforts by US officials like Henry Kissinger to impose restrictions on Iran's nuclear program, the shah insisted on Iran's right to manage its own nuclear fuel cycle. Fast forward to today, and Iran is on the brink of possessing enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon.

Former Iranian foreign minister Ardeshir Zahedi has warned against bullying Iran, emphasizing that historical attempts to pressure the nation have failed. The idea of a nuclear Iran has always unsettled Western powers, as illustrated in Paul Erdman's novel 'Crash of '79,' which depicted a scenario where a nuclear-armed Iran threatens the Middle East.

Despite the change in leadership, the fear of a powerful Iran remains a concern for the US and Israel. A nuclear-armed Iran would challenge Israel's nuclear monopoly in the region and shift the balance of power significantly. With Iran's vast population and abundant natural resources, any Iranian leader must navigate US policy while considering Israel's interests.

It is clear that future Iranian leaders will face pressure to maintain Iran's strength and influence, which may lead to the pursuit of a nuclear deterrent. The historical context of Iran's nuclear ambitions sheds light on the challenges and complexities of the situation.