Israel Launches Pre-Emptive Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

Israel launched a massive and precise pre-emptive airstrike on Iran on June 13, 2025, targeting over 300 sites including nuclear facilities and assassinating top military commanders like IRGC Chief Hossein Salami. The operation, combining air power, intelligence, and sabotage, demonstrated Israel's deep penetration of Iranian defenses and aimed to degrade Iran's military capability and shock its leadership into paralysis. Experts highlight that Iran's overconfidence in its military strength and nuclear ambitions, as well as its weakened network of proxies like Hezbollah, left it vulnerable to such a strike. Daniel Shapiro noted that the attacks likely end nuclear diplomacy efforts and raise questions about potential U.S. involvement and Iran rushing to develop nuclear weapons. The diminished state of Iran's regional influence and proxies reduces the likelihood of effective retaliation, though Iran faces a strategic dilemma on how to respond without escalating into broader war. Commentary suggests that while Israel executed the strike, the primary responsibility for the conflict lies with Iran's actions and the failure of diplomacy, with President Donald Trump's prior ultimatum playing a contextual role.