Former IDF spokesperson says Iran at weakest point after Israeli strikes

Israel’s recent preemptive attack on Iran has not only marked a major milestone for the nation but also a turning point for the Middle East. According to former IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Israel’s primary goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, considering it an existential threat.

In the early hours of Friday morning, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes and covert operations to target Iranian infrastructure and senior leadership. The IDF reported that more than 20 Iranian commanders, including the head of Iran’s Intelligence Directorate and the commander of the country’s surface-to-surface missile array, were killed in the operation.

Conricus emphasized the importance of targeting personnel over infrastructure to have a lasting impact on Iran’s nuclear weapons program. He stated that Israel must work diligently to erase crucial knowledge related to the nuclear program.

The Operation Rising Lion not only dealt a blow to Iran’s infrastructure and leadership but also weakened Tehran’s influence in the region and its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. Conricus highlighted the diminishing strength of Iran’s \”ring of fire around Israel,\” indicating a strategic setback for the Iranian regime.

The attack on Iran’s nuclear program has garnered support from several countries, including France and the U.K., who oppose Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Conricus mentioned that many nations are quietly cheering on Israel for standing up to the regional bully, Iran.

Israel’s actions have also impacted Iranian deterrence in the Middle East, potentially influencing how other countries in the region respond to Tehran’s threats. Conricus noted that Iranian deterrence has been significantly weakened following Israel’s operations, giving other countries an opportunity to assert themselves.

While it is too early to predict the domestic implications of Israel’s attack on Iran, there is a possibility that the regime’s stability could be at risk. Iran was already facing internal unrest due to the regime’s suppression of basic rights and freedoms, and the recent events could exacerbate the situation.

Overall, Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran signifies a critical moment in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The operation has not only targeted Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also reshaped the regional dynamics, potentially leading to significant changes in the future.