Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites, Eliminates Top Commanders Amid Failed Talks

Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran that targeted its nuclear facilities, air defense systems, and key military commanders, severely damaging the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant and killing top Iranian military figures. Iranian officials had miscalculated Israel's timing, believing an attack would not occur before scheduled nuclear talks with the U.S., which led to a lack of preparedness and heavy losses. The strikes aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and delay its development of an atomic weapon, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealing to the Iranian people and signaling a prolonged campaign. The attack caused a spike in oil prices due to fears of regional instability, with speculation that Saudi Arabia and OPEC-Plus had anticipated the conflict and increased oil supplies strategically ahead of time. Analysts suggest that the U.S., under President Trump's administration, is prepared to respond decisively to any Iranian retaliation to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The unfolding situation highlights Israel's resilience and strategic calculations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.