Israel and US may be planning strike against Iran, analysis shows

Intelligence analysts believe Israel, possibly with American support, is preparing for what could be a decisive military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities after years of covert operations.

The potential attack would culminate years of planning, targeted assassinations, and shadow warfare between the two nations, according to security experts. Iran's nuclear program has long been considered a "red line" for Israel, which has consistently escalated hostilities over the issue.

France recently issued a red alert for Iran, while U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Israel could attack in 2025. Reports confirm Israel has received new shipments of MK-84 bombs in recent weeks.

Military analysts identify several potential targets in a possible Israeli strike: Natanz, a major uranium enrichment center; Fordow, a facility built inside mountains; Parchin, suspected of weapons manufacturing; and Isfahan, a uranium conversion site.

Defense experts note these are deeply buried targets that Israeli F-35 fighters alone cannot effectively strike. Only American B-2 or B-21 bombers equipped with GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs would be capable of destroying such fortified facilities.

Iran's potential capacity to respond

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated Tel Aviv and Haifa would be targeted in any counterattack. Iran's missile arsenal includes the Shahab-3 with a 1,300-kilometer range, the Qader reaching 1,600 kilometers, and the Sejjil-2 extending 2,000 kilometers with solid fuel and rapid launch capability.

However, in recent years, Iran's regional position has weakened considerably. Israel has systematically dismantled Iran's proxy network over the past two years. Hamas suffered major losses in Gaza following October 2023 fighting. July 2024 saw Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in an airstrike in Tehran.

In September 2024, Israel's electronic device attacks in Beirut killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was eliminated in a separate drone strike. In October 2024, Hamas military commander Yahya Sinwar was killed in an Israeli operation.

The overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government has further diminished Iran's regional influence, leaving Tehran without the ground forces it once maintained near Lebanese borders, in Gaza, and throughout Syria.

International community divided

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned that while Yemen's Houthis act independently, any attack against Iran would result in severe retaliation against American interests.

The international community remains divided. China, a major importer of Iranian oil, opposes military conflict. Russia remains focused on its Ukraine campaign and appears reluctant to become involved in another regional crisis. Arab nations maintain a cautious silence, while United Nations diplomatic efforts have shown little progress.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, attend a meeting regarding the Iranian nuclear issue at Diaoyutai State Guest House on March 14, 2025, in Beijing, China.Reuters

Security analysts warn this confrontation could significantly impact global energy markets, economic stability, and geopolitical relations across the Middle East and Persian Gulf regions.