Israel’s long-anticipated operation against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program is over.
Another round of fighting is a distinct possibility, but this chapter has reached its end. Israel displayed stunning, almost incomprehensible, capabilities and competence, and the world took notice.
Its intelligence agencies penetrated the heart of what should have been Iran’s most secure organizations. Israel knew exactly where Iran’s generals and nuclear scientists were, and directed drones and missiles right into their apartments as it decapitated Tehran’s command structures.
Israeli commandos operated with surprising freedom on Iranian soil, building a drone facility and smuggling in missile systems. IAF jets demolished Iran’s air defenses, establishing air superiority over Iran’s capital at the far edge of the Middle East.
The extent of Israel’s victory is not yet known, and won’t be until intelligence agencies sift through the evidence, and international inspectors the rubble. But a victory it is. Iran’s nuclear program is set back, and if it decides to reconstitute it, it will have to resort to a secretive, compartmentalized option that will be slower and more challenging than the path it was on. Its ballistic missile force has only gone backward, losing commanders and over half of its stock. Iran can certainly get back to work on rebuilding, but Israel is likely to pick up on it and strike if needed.
Published originally on June 27, 2025.
Read the full article at the Times of Israel.
