The United States has executed a surprise strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, potentially setting back Iran’s nuclear program by a decade, according to a Middle East expert. The attack, conducted by B-2 stealth bombers, targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While Iran may attempt a ‘face-saving’ retaliation through cyber-attacks or regional infrastructure strikes, experts believe the regime lacks the capability for significant escalation. The strikes have prompted concerns about regional stability, as Israel recently launched its own attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In the wake of the U.S. military’s Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran has already launched more missiles at Israel, striking at least 10 impact sites and injuring at least 20 people. However, experts like Jacob Olidort, director of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute, suggest that Iran does not have the capability for a major response, as Israel’s recent strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.
Israel has stated that its strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites, killing multiple Iranian military leaders. Despite this, Iran has declared that the time for diplomacy has passed and that it has the right to defend itself. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has called for peace, suggesting that the current moment may be ripe for diplomatic engagement.
Regarding the impact of the U.S. strikes, Olidort estimates that Iran’s nuclear program may be set back by two to three years, with the potential for a more significant setback if further strikes occur. The full extent of the damage to the facilities, however, remains uncertain, as it will take time to assess the long-term implications of the U.S. operation. The U.S. military’s use of B-2 stealth bombers has been a key element of the strike, with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noting that the battle damage evaluation will take time.
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on the potential consequences of increased military engagement in the region and the long-term implications for Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The absence of immediate support from Iran’s regional proxies has also raised questions about the regime’s overall strength and influence. The U.S. strike has not only targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities but also underscored the complex and volatile nature of the Middle East conflict, with implications for global security and regional stability.