Israel a US accomplice in attacks on Iran

Israel's desire to potentially destroy Iranian nuclear facilities stems from a mix of strategic, security, and geopolitical concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the likely reasons:

National Security Threat

Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. Iran has a long history of hostile rhetoric against Israel, including statements from some Iranian leaders calling for the end of the Israeli state. A nuclear weapon in Iranian hands could shift the balance of power in the region and severely limit Israel’s freedom to act militarily.

Regional Power Balance

Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East widely believed to possess nuclear weapons (though it has never confirmed this officially). If Iran were to develop its own nuclear arsenal, it would undermine Israel’s strategic military edge in the region and potentially spark a regional arms race.

Deterrence Concerns

Even if Iran doesn’t use a nuclear weapon, the mere possession could embolden Iranian proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon or militias in Syria and Iraq. Israel worries that Iran’s nuclear capability could act as a protective umbrella for more aggressive conventional or proxy actions.

Lack of Trust in Diplomacy

Israel has been critical of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), arguing that it does not permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and that Iran could "wait out" the deal and then resume enrichment. They also believe Iran has cheated or could cheat on its obligations.

Precedent of Preemptive Strikes

Israel has a history of preemptively striking nuclear programs in the region:

Iraq’s Osirak reactor in 1981

Syria’s Al-Kibar facility in 2007

These actions reflect a doctrine that Israel will not allow hostile states to acquire nuclear weapons.

Killing of Iranian nuclear scientists by Israel

The killing of Iranian nuclear scientists—widely attributed to Israel—has been a significant and controversial element in the long-running tensions between Iran and Israel, especially regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Here's a breakdown of key events and context:

Overview of the Killings

Since around 2010, several Iranian nuclear scientists have been assassinated under mysterious or targeted circumstances. These attacks are believed by many experts and intelligence sources to be part of an Israeli covert campaign to slow or sabotage Iran’s nuclear program. Following is the list of major Israeli attacks on Iranian facilities:

Masoud Alimohammadi (Jan 2010)

Physics professor was killed in a bomb blast in Tehran. Iran blamed the US and Israel, though there was little publicly available evidence.

Majid Shahriari (Nov 2010)

Nuclear engineer was assassinated in a car bombing.

Simultaneously, another scientist, Fereydoon Abbasi, was targeted but survived.

Dariush Rezaeinejad (July 2011)

Shot by gunmen on a motorcycle outside his home.

Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan (Jan 2012)

Deputy Director of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility was killed in a magnetic bomb attack on his car.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (Nov 2020)

Senior figure in Iran’s nuclear program, seen as the “father” of Iran’s nuclear weapons project was killed in a highly sophisticated ambush, allegedly involving remote-controlled weapons and possibly AI. Israel was widely suspected; Netanyahu had named Fakhrizadeh in a 2018 speech as central to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Israeli Stance

Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the assassinations but has hinted at a policy of proactive defense against Iranian nuclear capabilities. The Israeli intelligence agency Mossad is believed to be behind the operations, according to various reports and leaked information.

Strategic Purpose

Delay Nuclear Development:

Targeting key figures slows down Iran’s nuclear progress.

Deterrence:

Sends a message to Iran and other adversaries.

Psychological Warfare:

Undermines morale and trust within Iran’s scientific and intelligence community.

Iran’s Response

Iran has blamed Israel and sometimes the US and vowed revenge. It has strengthened security around its scientists and facilities. Iran has continued pushing forward its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.

International Reactions

The killings have drawn mixed international response. Some Western countries condemned the assassinations as extrajudicial killings. Others remained silent or vaguely supportive, seeing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a security threat.