Experts divided on Iran’s nuclear intentions after Israel’s airstrikes

Israel’s recent airstrikes on Tehran, Iran have sparked renewed concerns about the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon. While Israeli experts have long warned that Iran was close to obtaining nuclear capabilities, recent intelligence suggests that Iran was on the verge of assembling a crude nuclear device.

According to Beni Sabti, an Iran expert, Tehran was in the process of gathering materials in a secret location near the capital to create a primitive warhead. This development has raised alarm bells in Israel, especially as Iran has been enriching uranium to 60%, a level that is just below the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon. The reactivation of certain facilities that were previously used for nuclear weaponization activities has further fueled concerns.

However, not everyone is convinced that Iran was actively pursuing a nuclear weapon. Rosemary Kelanic, a nuclear deterrence expert, cautioned against accepting the narrative put forth by Israeli officials, pointing out that U.S. intelligence assessments have consistently maintained that Iran was not actively working on weaponization. She suggested that Israel’s strikes may push Iran to reconsider its restraint and pursue a crash program to test a nuclear device.

The competing narratives surrounding Iran’s nuclear intentions highlight the deep uncertainty surrounding the situation. While Israel argues that its strikes were necessary to prevent a dangerous escalation, critics fear that they may have actually accelerated the path to a nuclear weapon. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s intentions and the potential consequences of Israel’s actions leave the international community on edge.

As the situation continues to unfold, the key question remains: Will Israel’s strikes decimate Iran’s nuclear capabilities or will the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran persist? Only time will tell whether the decades-long conflict between Israel and Iran will reach a resolution or escalate further. The global community watches with bated breath as the future of the region hangs in the balance.