Israel weighs strike on Iran's nuclear sites as tensions rise

The American military intelligence, which these outlets cite, indicates that actions may occur in the coming months. The intelligence report was prepared back in January, towards the end of President Joe Biden's term.

According to "The Wall Street Journal", Israel is counting on the support of the current president, Donald Trump, who is more inclined to back an attack on Iran. Authorities in Jerusalem fear that the time to prevent Tehran from building an atomic bomb is limited. Israel wants to take advantage of Iran's weakening following earlier airstrikes in 2024.

"The Washington Post" emphasises that an Israeli attack could only delay the Iranian nuclear programme by a few months. Simultaneously, it could prompt Tehran to intensify uranium enrichment, increasing tensions in the region. Iran's President, Masoud Pezeszkian, announced that attacks would not stop the country from building new facilities.

Iran declares that its nuclear programme has peaceful purposes, yet the production of enriched uranium has increased rapidly. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran possesses about 200 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which is enough to build several atomic bombs. Iranian authorities openly declare their desire to destroy Israel.

The new US president has expressed a desire to resume work on the nuclear agreement with Iran while simultaneously strengthening sanctions. The policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran has been criticised by Iran, which had previously signalled readiness for negotiations. Authorities in Jerusalem consider Iran to be the greatest threat.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been considering a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear installations for years, but so far, he has backed out of this intention, often under US pressure. However, the current situation may prompt Israel to take decisive action.