Israel Strikes Iran, Targets Nuclear Sites; U.S. Involvement Possible

Israel launched strikes against Iran on Friday, initiating the latest in a series of conflicts dating back to the 1960s. The strikes targeted nuclear facilities and killed several of Iran’s top military leaders. Israel has claimed military superiority in the skies, and U.S. President Donald Trump is considering involving the U.S. Air Force to refuel Israeli planes over Iran. Iran is suffering heavy civilian losses, as many of Israel’s missiles are hitting residential areas. That being said, Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel have also affected civilians, though to a far lesser extent than in Iran.

The rivalry between Israel and Iran started in 1964, when Iran developed nuclear capabilities under America’s Atoms for Peace program. This was during the reign of U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was highly unpopular but maintained friendly diplomatic relations with Israel. When the Iranian Revolution overthrew the shah and installed a theocracy, the new government declared Israel the enemy. Frequent conflicts have followed since.

Israel’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the Iranian nuclear program and halt uranium enrichment. This is a goal shared by Trump, who is considering employing U.S. military assets to assist Israel despite his usual distaste for involvement in foreign affairs. Trump has demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran and stated that he is seeking a real solution, not simply another cease-fire.

Israel has asked Trump to use the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or “bunker buster” — a 30,000-pound bomb designed to destroy underground defenses. Israel not only does not possess this weapon, it also cannot drop it: Due to its size, only the American B-2 stealth bomber can carry it. This means that if the bomb were to be used, the U.S. military would have to become involved.

Both Israel and Iran have stated that they will keep fighting for as long as necessary. It’s anyone’s guess how long that will take.