Why Israel May Be Considering an Attack on Iran

New York Times

21 hours ago

Israel has long envisioned a military attack on Iran's nuclear enrichment sites in an attempt to halt what it considers an existential threat. But any such military strike would risk igniting a major conflict that could draw in the United States.
Many in the Middle East are now wondering whether that moment has arrived, as tensions between the two countries rise.
On Wednesday, The New York Times reported that officials in the United States and Europe believed that Israel seemed to be gearing up for a potential strike, even as Trump administration is seeking a deal with Tehran to curb its nuclear program. The following day, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared that Iran was not complying with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations — the first such censure in two decades.
It is unclear how extensive an attack Israel is considering. But the United States has withdrawn diplomats from the region over concerns about the attack and any Iranian retaliation.
Many experts say Israel would struggle to destroy Iran's main nuclear facilities without American military support. And it is unclear if the heightened tensions were the result of saber-rattling as both sides seek leverage in the negotiations.
Here's what we know.
Why might Israel attack now?
Iran's nuclear program has advanced considerably over the past decade, analysts say. Iran is on the brink of being able to manufacture enough nuclear material to fuel 10 nuclear weapons, although producing a usable bomb would likely take many more months.
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