US strikes could set back Iran’s nuclear program by a decade, expert says
The recent U.S. strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities has raised concerns about potential retaliation from Iran. However, according to Jacob Olidort, an expert on the Middle East and U.S. national security, Iran may not have the capabilities for a significant escalation.
Olidort, the director of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute, believes that Iran is currently more bark than bite. He anticipates that Iran may attempt some face-saving measures, such as cyber-attacks or attacks on infrastructure in the region. Despite launching more missiles at Israel in response to the U.S. strike, Olidort does not expect a major escalation from Iran.
Israel has also conducted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites, resulting in the deaths of multiple Iranian military leaders. Olidort notes that Iran’s proxies in the region have not rushed to its aid following the U.S. strikes, suggesting a potential weakness in Iran’s position.
The impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear program could be significant. Olidort estimates that Israel had already set back Iran’s nuclear program by two to three years before the U.S. strikes. He believes that the recent strikes may delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by up to a decade, depending on future actions and agreements between the U.S. and Iran.
The U.S. conducted the surprise strike using B-2 stealth bombers on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that assessing the full extent of the damage to the facilities would take time. It is unclear whether any enriched nuclear material was destroyed in the strikes or if Iran had relocated the material beforehand.
Overall, the U.S. strikes have the potential to significantly impact Iran’s nuclear program and weaken its position in the region. The situation remains fluid, and the future actions of both the U.S. and Iran will determine the long-term effects of the strikes.
