Israel Strikes Set Back Iran Nuclear Program Amid Missile Barrage

Israel has launched a series of military strikes aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear program, with Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter stating that significant setbacks have been inflicted, though the mission remains ongoing and could take weeks. Despite these efforts, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and other analysts acknowledge that Iran retains thousands of ballistic missiles and the broader threat has not been eliminated, highlighting the enduring nature of the conflict. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli cities, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, despite Israel's advanced but not foolproof missile defense systems. Israeli officials emphasize that the goal is to stop Iran's nuclear weaponization capability rather than regime change, though targeted actions against Iranian leadership are not ruled out. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in sustained military actions, and Israel calling on the United States for support in its campaign against Iran's nuclear ambitions. This conflict underscores the complexity and high stakes involved in the regional struggle for security and influence.