Israel has announced that it has successfully delayed Iran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by at least two years, following a series of military strikes targeting the nation. For Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, nothing could have been truer, as these strikes were critical in preventing Iran’s suspected nuclear program. He promised to continue these actions until the job is done. The ongoing conflict escalated with fresh exchanges of attacks between Israel and Iran early on Saturday, shortly after Tehran declared it would not engage in negotiations regarding its nuclear program while under threat.
Katz reiterated what we heard yesterday, that the Israeli military had successfully assassinated a veteran commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ overseas arm in a missile barrage on an apartment in Qom, Iran. He referred to this operation as a “major achievement for Israeli intelligence and the air force.” Israeli military officials claim to have issued warning shots at suspected militants who approached IDF troops, which led to more direct airstrikes.
Gideon Saar, Israel’s Minister of Interior, stated, “According to the assessment we hear, we already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb.” He claimed that Israel would do whatever is needed to protect itself from this new threat. Alongside these developments, Israel’s military actions have received worldwide condemnation and scrutiny.
“The prospect of radiation release, the erosion of non-proliferation norms, and the emboldening of nuclear-armed states to act without accountability – this is the deadly logic of [nuclear deterrence] playing out in real time,” – Gem Romuld
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Ican) characterized the escalating conflict as a “terrifying reminder of how close the world remains to nuclear disaster.” They cautioned that Israel’s preemptive attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities would constitute a violation of international law. This can lead to radioactive contamination, creating long-term dangers to human health and the environment.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, reiterated the nation’s position during a Security Council meeting, stating that attacks would persist until the Iranian nuclear threat is dismantled. “Not until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled, not until its war machine is disarmed, not until our people and yours are safe,” he asserted.
The backdrop of these developments includes statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who mentioned, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe, they want to speak to us,” indicating a belief that direct negotiations with the United States are preferable for Iran. This leads into the second part of Trump’s comment, in which he showed cynicism toward Europe’s capacity to mediate successfully in this crisis.
In light of these tensions, Amir Saeid Iravani warned of potential escalation, saying, “Israel apparently declared that it will continue this strike for as many days as it takes. We are alarmed by credible reports that the United States … may be joining this war.”
The devastating war has renewed calls for de-escalation, including from Cardinal Parolin. Gem Romuld from Peace Action stressed the urgency of increased and sustained diplomacy. He called on Australia and our allies to exercise caution and responsibility in order to stop escalating the violence. He stated, “We need urgent de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.”
As the two countries volleyed missile strikes back and forth, Israel’s defense forces were quick to claim success from the military campaign—victory over Iran. Katz further emphasized that Izadi funded and armed Hamas’ recent terror attacks against Israel. This move emphasizes the growing regional impact of the current clashes.
“To remove a threat of such magnitude, against such an enemy, we must be ready for a prolonged campaign,” – Lt Gen Eyal Zamir
Lt Gen Eyal Zamir commented on the evolving dynamics of the conflict, asserting, “Day by day, our freedom to operate is expanding and the enemy’s is narrowing.”