Israel Launches Wide Strikes on Iran Nuclear, Military Targets Amid Retaliation

Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, have emphasized that the current military actions against Iran are focused solely on neutralizing Iran's nuclear threat rather than seeking regime change or targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly, though the latter could be an unintended consequence. Israel has launched precision strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites, with the objective of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. In retaliation, Iran has fired long-range Sejjil missiles at key Israeli military installations in Tel Aviv, escalating the conflict. Israeli military planning for these operations began in late 2024, involving detailed intelligence efforts to achieve air superiority and target critical Iranian infrastructure, supported by significant US arms supplies. Critics argue that the pre-emptive nature of Israel's strikes lacks concrete evidence of an imminent Iranian nuclear weapon, comparing it to previous unfounded justifications for war, and view the campaign as part of broader efforts to weaken the so-called Axis of Resistance. The ongoing military exchanges have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, underscoring the intensifying and complex nature of the conflict.