Israel Ends Major Military Operation against Iran after 12 Days

Israel recently concluded its ‘People like a Lion’ operation, a 12-day military campaign targeted at Iran, which Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz described as a historic achievement that weakened Iran’s military infrastructure and disrupted its nuclear program with support from the U.S. and allies. Despite Israeli claims of success and the elimination of key Iranian military figures, analysts highlight that Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain operational, and the operation provoked a political backlash, including Iran’s parliament suspending cooperation with the IAEA and potentially withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The campaign reflects a broader, longstanding U.S.-Israeli strategy aimed at maintaining regional dominance by reducing rival states to a pre-industrial military status, a policy that gained prominence after 9/11. Naval power has also played a crucial role, with U.S. submarines launching significant strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and concerns rising over Iran's potential to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG shipments. The tense maritime situation involves the U.S., Israel, and Iran, each with distinct naval capabilities and strategies, raising fears that conflict could disrupt global trade and inflate costs worldwide. The U.S. has responded by deploying naval operations to secure key shipping lanes and counter Iran’s threats, underscoring the continuing importance of naval dominance in the Middle East geopolitical landscape.