**Tensions Mount as Israel Weighs Strike on Iran's Nuclear Facilities**

Israel is under increasing pressure to take decisive action against Iran's nuclear program amidst a surge in missile attacks. Reports indicate that Tehran now possesses sufficient material for three nuclear warheads, raising concerns among international observers. Discussions within G7 governments suggest that Russia may be providing Iran with nuclear technology in exchange for missile support in its conflict with Ukraine.

The prospect of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear sites is technically possible but fraught with significant risks. A large-scale attack could provoke severe retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. The latest incident on October 1 saw Iran launch 181 missiles targeting Israel, highlighting the escalating hostilities between the two nations. Given the stakes, experts question why Israel hasn't already targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, considered the most significant threat to its security.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned in May that Iran had enough material to produce at least three nuclear warheads. Previously, Iran was believed to be about nine months away from finalizing the designs for critical technologies needed for such weapons. This timeline is now in question, with high-level discussions hinting that Russia might aid Iran, likely expediting its nuclear capabilities. Israel and its allies have long had accurate intelligence on the locations of Iran's key nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, Esfahan, and others.

A U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report from 2012 noted that Israel could potentially carry out strikes on a few major Iranian nuclear sites, setting back Iran's nuclear timetable significantly. For such an operation, Israel might use Azerbaijan as a strategic launch point, bypassing more complicated routes through countries like Jordan and Iraq. The report also highlighted that the U.S. had sold Israel advanced bombs capable of penetrating deep underground facilities.

However, military logistics pose challenges. Many of Iran's nuclear sites are located deep underground, up to 300 feet, compared to less fortified structures previously targeted by similar bombs. The recent increase in missile attacks on Israel, such as the April 13 incident that breached the Iron Dome defense system, underscores the complexities of a unilateral strike. Retaliatory attacks from Iran and its proxies could overwhelm Israel without immediate support from allies like the U.S. and U.K.

Current U.S. President, Joe Biden, has expressed opposition to an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear sites, citing potential retaliation against U.S. military bases and economic disruption through attacks on key oil facilities. In contrast, former President Donald Trump, a current presidential candidate, labeled Biden's stance as risky, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Iran's nuclear capabilities. Israel might be waiting for a political shift in the U.S. before making its move against Iran's nuclear ambitions.