Israel Launches Large-Scale Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Killing 78

Since June 13, 2025, Israel has launched an unprecedented assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, killing senior military commanders and prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities. This conflict is the culmination of a 46-year cold war originating from the 1979 Iranian revolution, which ended the prior strategic partnership between Iran and Israel under the Shah's regime. Analysts emphasize the complex historical context, noting that before 1979, Iran was Israel's key regional ally in the Middle East, collaborating on intelligence and military projects. Scholars and experts debate the current crisis's implications: John Mearsheimer warns that Israel's strategy to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions is risky and that U.S. military involvement may strengthen geopolitical rivals like Russia and China, while Yoram Hazony defends Israel's actions as essential for national survival. The conflict has escalated beyond military strikes to include attacks on civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional war or diplomatic resolution. Experts, including Barbara Slavin and Olli Heinonen, continue to assess the damage to Iran's nuclear program and the broader geopolitical impact of the ongoing war.