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Forbes
a day ago
- General
- Forbes
What An Israeli Strike On Iran's Nuclear Sites Might Look Like
A view of an F-15 fighter jet being prepared ahead of Israeli army's attack on Iran, on October 26, ... More 2024 in Israel. (Photo by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images) Israel is reportedly planning to launch long-range strikes against Iran's nuclear program if the current nuclear talks with the United States collapse. Such a move could have grave ramifications for the stability of the region, which experienced two Iranian and Israeli attacks and counterattacks in 2024. U.S. intelligence suggests that Israel is actively preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites amid ongoing negotiations between Tehran and the Trump administration over a new nuclear deal, CNN reported on May 20. The following day, Axios reported that any Israeli attack would not 'be a one-off, but a military campaign lasting at least a week.' Unsurprisingly, Iran condemned the possibility of an Israeli attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would view Washington as a 'participant' in any Israeli attack. The Trump administration and the Arab Gulf states are against any attack, favoring negotiations. President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he had conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that an Israeli strike on Iran 'would be very inappropriate to do right now because we're very close to a solution.' Furthermore, Saudi Arabia warned Iran last month to take Trump's openness to negotiate over the issue seriously since it might avert an otherwise inevitable Israeli attack. Iran insists that a deal must preserve its right to continue uranium enrichment, the main obstacle in the way of a new deal. Whether an Israeli strike transpires in the coming days and weeks is anybody's guess. If it does, it's questionable how much damage Israel could do without direct American support. 'Any Israeli campaign on Iran without the U.S. support will face severe limitations given the long distance between the two countries, even though the IDF is known for its ingenuity and might surprise us all,' Arash Azizi, a visiting fellow at Boston U and author of 'The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran's Global Ambitions,' told me. 'But even if Israel attacks with U.S. support, it can only cause so much damage,' he said. 'The work can pick up and continue. It's all about what settlement is to follow the attacks.' On October 26, 2024, Israel unleashed a large-scale wave of airstrikes against Iranian air defenses and missile production facilities without losing any aircraft. Those four hours of strikes seemingly inflicted significant damage on Iran's strategic air defenses, especially its long-range, Russian-built S-300 air defense missile systems. Israeli jets and drones used Syrian and Iraqi airspace to mount the attack, which likely included significant numbers of standoff munitions, including air-launched ballistic missiles. 'Iran's air defense will certainly be overwhelmed by a week-long Israeli campaign,' Azizi said. 'Also to the point, Iran's lack of a proper air force will limit its ability to defend the country.' Iran's air force is antiquated, consisting mainly of third- and fourth-generation F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat fighters inherited from the pre-1979 regime of the American-allied Shah, as well as some Soviet-made MiG-29A Fulcrums acquired in the early 1990s. Tehran has yet to receive the fourth-generation Su-35 Flankers it ordered from Russia earlier in this decade. Conversely, Israel has a much larger and more modern air force, the only one in the region to operate the fifth-generation American F-35 Lighting II stealth strike fighter. Iran's nuclear facilities are scattered across the country. Undoubtedly, the program's two most important sites are the Natanz Enrichment Complex and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. 'Israel will look at all of Iran's enrichment facilities and other nuclear facilities, but the main targets are Fordow and Natanz,' Recent open-source analysis reveals that Iranian air defenses around Natanz are significantly weaker than previously expected. Nevertheless, there are likely limits to the damage that Israeli F-35I stealth jets attacking Natanz and Fordow could do to these respective sites since they are buried underground and have recently been fortified. Destroying such sites would require enormous bunker-buster munitions that Israel lacks and heavy strategic bombers, which Israel also lacks, to carry them. The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is currently the only aircraft certified to carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator. Six of these were recently deployed on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean within striking range of Iran's nuclear sites. However, they have since been withdrawn and replaced with older, non-stealthy B-52s after Trump wrapped up the U.S. air campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and pursued negotiations with Tehran. It's unclear if Israel would simply repeatedly strike Natanz and Fordow to render them at least temporarily unusable. It's conceivable it might use its F-35s to destroy any air defenses and clear a path for F-15s and F-16s to carry out bombing runs. It is also conceivable that it has an entirely different plan altogether. On September 8, 2024, Israel launched Operation Many Ways, a commando raid against an Iranian missile production facility built beneath a mountain near Masyaf in northwest Syria. Covered by airstrikes, Shaldag commandos were helicoptered to the site, which they promptly raided and destroyed with explosives planted inside that detonated as they flew away. It's unclear if Israel would attempt something similar against Natanz and Fordow, especially considering the much greater distance involved. 'I think Israel can certainly plan on commando raids in Iran,' Azizi said. 'It has a very impressive intelligence penetration in Iran, has focused on the country for decades, and carried out countless operations on Iranian soil.' 'It is likely to achieve impressive results by such measures.' Iran would undoubtedly seek retaliation for any significant Israeli strike against its nuclear program. It hasn't yet retaliated for the October 26 strikes, which were Israel's retaliation for a large-scale Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel. 'Iran will likely retaliate by attacking Israeli soil directly and significantly,' Azizi said. 'This will be its major move.' However, it's unclear whether Tehran would risk striking American bases in the region, especially in the Gulf states with which it is currently on good terms and which refuse to allow the U.S. to use their territories for any strike against Iran. Iran previously launched a ballistic missile strike on an Iraqi airbase hosting U.S. troops in January 2020 following the assassination of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike ordered by Trump near the end of his first term. 'Whether Iran will also attack the U.S. bases or not, and whether this will be done directly or via Iraqi militia attacks with plausible deniability, depends on what kind of communication goes on between Iran and the U.S. prior to and during the attack and how much support, if any, the U.S. gives Israel in the attack on Iran,' Azizi said.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar National Library to host diverse lineup of events in June
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) is welcoming the summer with a dynamic schedule of public events this June, offering opportunities for historical exploration, creative expression and career development. Opening the month on June 1, the Library will host a two-day workshop titled 'Consulting British Historical Sources on Arab Gulf History: Focus on Post-Independence Records, 1968–1994'. Led by historian Anita Burdett, the session will provide participants with practical guidance on accessing, organizing and preserving historical collections. The workshop will emphasize oral history best practices through interactive exercises and case studies, offering valuable insights for researchers and heritage professionals For younger audiences, the Library is holding its popular Storytime for Toddlers and Storytime for Children series. On June 1 and 29, children aged 4 years and younger will have the opportunity to read, play and have fun with a variety of activities. Meanwhile, children aged seven to 14 can look forward to storytelling sessions on June 2, 16 and 30, all designed to foster a love of reading. All events at Qatar National Library are free, but prior registration is encouraged. For full details and to register, visit or download the Library's app via the App Store or Google Play.
ILoveQatar.net
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar National Library unveils June 2025 calendar with activities for all ages
Qatar National Library (QNL) is welcoming the summer with a dynamic schedule of public events this June, offering opportunities for historical exploration, creative expression and career development. Opening the month on 1 June, the Library will host a two-day workshop titled 'Consulting British Historical Sources on Arab Gulf History: Focus on Post-Independence Records, 1968–1994.' Led by historian Anita Burdett, the session will provide participants with practical guidance on accessing, organizing and preserving historical collections. The workshop will emphasize oral history best practices through interactive exercises and case studies, offering valuable insights for researchers and heritage professionals. For younger audiences, the Library is holding its popular Storytime for Toddlers and Storytime for Children series. On 1 and 29 June, children aged 4 years and younger will have the opportunity to read, play and have fun with a variety of activities. Meanwhile, children aged seven to 14 can look forward to storytelling sessions on 2, 16 and 30 June, all designed to foster a love of reading. Creative expression also takes center stage with the 'Make with Me' workshops on 3 and 17 June. These fun-filled, hands-on sessions of craft-making and art creation are designed to unleash children's creativity. Young adults looking to kickstart their professional journeys can take advantage of the Career Launchpad series that kicks off on 4 June with a workshop introducing the basic strategies for job searches on LinkedIn. The series, designed to equip participants with essential skills for advancing their careers, continues on 28 June with a session on writing CVs and cover letters. This session will feature one-to-one support from the Library, which offers individualized feedback as well as books and resources to support participants at all stages of the application process. The series will hold its final session of the month on 30 June with a workshop designed to help participants explore their career options with The platform provides comprehensive career resources, including company reviews and employer rankings, to help individuals make informed decisions about their professional journey. Finally, QNL will host a special lecture on 18 June that delves into European scientific expeditions to the Arab world in the 18th and 19th centuries. The talk will spotlight the writings and desert plant collection of British traveler Richard Pococke, offering fascinating perspectives into the Middle East at that time. All events at Qatar National Library are free, but prior registration is encouraged. For full details and to register, visit
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Price of Syria sanctions relief could be deal with Israel, Lebanese minister says
Syria may have to pay for newfound western support by reaching an understanding with Israel, Lebanon 's Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Mr Salame spoke of the need to support Syria, where 'there are entire areas destroyed' after years of civil war. The US and Europe have offered the regime a new start with a promise to lift sanctions imposed during Bashar Al Assad 's rule. But Mr Salame alluded to whether there might be 'a price tag or a cost for the western embrace'. 'I believe the West does not offer anything for free,' he said. Addressing what that cost may be, he said: 'Perhaps pressure towards an understanding with Israel or something to that end." He went on to say there will be an effort 'to diversify the foreign influence on Syria', in reference to Iran's previous influence in the country. Syria and Israel have been technically at war since 1967. The former regime of Mr Al Assad, and his father Hafez Al Assad, negotiated peace with Israel several times, without agreement. An offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel front toppled the Assad regime on December 8. Quoting unnamed sources, Reuters reported on Tuesday that the two sides have held direct talks in the region of Quneitra, where there is a demilitarised zone. Mr Salame said that Syria is 'in the early stages of transformation', pointing out that its regional allies have shifted from Russia and Iran to Turkey and Arab Gulf states. On May 14, President Donald Trump met Syrian leader Ahmad Al Shara in Riyadh after being urged to do so by Ankara and Saudi Arabia and asked him to join the Abraham Accords. In 1973, Syria launched a failed effort to regain the Golan Heights, which Israel occupied in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Mr Trump also decided sanctions on the Syrian economy are to be lifted. This contributed to a similar move by the EU. Officials said that the moves were prompted by fears that the pressure on livelihoods could lead to another civil war and a revival of ISIS. Although Mr Al Shara is a former ally of Al Qaeda, many see him as a bulwark against more extreme elements in the country. Israel has bombed Syria since he was named leader by fellow rebels in late January, but the raids have subsided in the last several weeks. Mr Al Shara said this month that Syria is engaged in 'indirect talks through mediators' with Israel 'to calm down the situation so that it does not get out of control″. There was no information about the participants in the talks, except that they reportedly included Ahmad Al Dalati, a former rebel whom Mr Al Shara appointed this month as governor of the mostly Druze province of Suweida in south Syria. The Druze minority is also present in Israel. Last month, military intervention by Israel halted an onslaught by HTS-allied militias on the Druze minority.
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
$4 trillion Gulf investments pledged in US over 3 years
Recent visits by the U.S. President have resulted in $4 trillion worth of investments in the U.S. over the next three years from three Arab Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. These investments are expected to yield productive outcomes that could strengthen security and stability in the region. There are also strong indications that a new deal between the U.S. and Iran is imminent, which could help stabilize oil prices. While huge sums of money are being spent, there is hope that oil prices will recover in the coming years. Many Arab Gulf states are currently facing huge deficits due to low oil prices, which are insufficient to cover even 40 percent of their state budgets and expenditures. The visit itself serves as a strong indication of a new and emerging alliance between the USA and the Gulf States, in terms of the security and safety of all Gulf nations. This is aimed at ensuring they work together for defense in the event of an emergency. Meanwhile, the Gulf states continue to use all available means to secure their safety while simultaneously investing in the U.S. through arms purchases and financial investments. From this perspective, Kuwait is emerging as a leading global investor, as it is channeling its surplus funds into overseas investments, primarily in the U.S. and European countries. This investment strategy is expected to extend further into Far Eastern markets, including Japan, and eventually China, amounting to $40 billion. This shift is becoming a huge development, offering potential for growth in Kuwait's oil industry, as well as in refining and petrochemicals. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) should seriously consider these opportunities. The President's visit to our region is a clear indication of the commitment to the stability of the region. However, one element that was overlooked is the future stability of oil prices, especially among the top producers. It appears the issue was intentionally left untouched, allowing the oil markets to make their own predictions and remain separate from politics. Undoubtedly, the visit was a highly successful one, with a $4 trillion deal, marking the largest ever weapons purchase in a single state visit.
