Israel Launches Large-Scale Attack on Iran, Triggering Prolonged War and Regional Upheaval.

Israel's large-scale attack on Iran represents a preventive war with profound strategic implications for the Middle East.

The Israeli offensive was driven by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-held conviction that Iran constitutes Israel's principal existential threat.

Al Jazeera

The attack followed a systematic campaign against Iran's regional allies including Hezbollah and Syria, which had been weakened through previous military operations.

Described as a preventive war rather than an exercise of self-defense, this action contravenes international law precedents established by the UN Security Council's condemnation of Israel's 1981 Osirak attack.

Netanyahu's strategy, characterized by "peace through force," aims to achieve regime change in Tehran and completely dismantle Iran's nuclear program.

This reflects a two-decade-old obsession with preventing what Israeli leadership perceives as an imminent nuclear holocaust threat.

Within Israel, the attack has created significant political dynamics as Netanyahu leverages the conflict to maintain his grip on power amid upcoming elections.

Polls indicated overwhelming support for the military campaign, with 80 to 90 percent of Jewish Israelis backing the offensive and prepared for at least a month of fighting.

Associated Press News

Even political rivals have expressed support, with opposition leader Yair Lapid labeling the conflict against Iran as a "just war" and declaring unprecedented consensus on the issue.

Netanyahu has framed the conflict as a strategic success, declaring "We are winning and Iran is being decimated" while positioning himself for electoral advantage.

However, military analyst Jonathan Conricus suggests that Netanyahu faces risks as well as opportunities, noting that "the grand master of Israeli politics" will likely leverage every achievement for political success.

Despite the Iranian regime remaining in power and strategic differences emerging between Israel and the United States, Netanyahu's political strategy appears calculated to capitalize on the conflict.

The conflict has rapidly escalated into a prolonged regional war with significant international repercussions.

“War in Iran strengthens Netanyahu at the expense of Trump”

Boursorama

Following Israel's strike on Iran's vast South Pars natural gas field, Iran has intensified attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Iran has targeted facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, and other nations, sending global oil prices skyrocketing with Brent crude briefly topping $119 per barrel.

The United States has struck over 7,000 targets across Iran, with Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine indicating the military is continuing attacks deeper into Iranian territory.

Lebanon has been drawn into the conflict as Hezbollah, Iran's key regional ally, faces Israeli military pressure.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has proposed a four-point initiative for a ceasefire, though continued military escalation is hindering its implementation.

The Pentagon has reportedly requested an additional $200 billion for the war, reflecting the enormous financial and strategic commitment required.

Military operations continue with strategic assessments varying significantly among analysts regarding the effectiveness and ultimate objectives of the campaign.

Israeli forces have methodically targeted Iranian infrastructure, leadership, and military capabilities, launching "waves of strikes" targeting Tehran.

CBS News

Israel has conducted strikes that have "eliminated" key Iranian officials including the IRGC spokesperson and other high-ranking military and intelligence figures.

However, assessments of the military's effectiveness remain mixed among various experts.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi noted that while there has been "enormous degradation of the physical facilities," he believes "most probably, at the end of this [military conflict], the material will still be there and the enrichment capacities will be there."

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed this skepticism, stating "The question is not what Iran can do today, but what it will be able to do tomorrow, at the end of the war or in a year."

Military analyst Jonathan Conricus remains optimistic, predicting "lots and lots of success" including the "destruction of their ballistic missile industry" and "dismantling the Iranian axis of aggression against Israel piece by piece."

The economic and geopolitical consequences of the conflict are reverberating globally, with significant impacts on energy markets and international relations.

“But Tehran’s calculation appears to be that further efforts to reduce Gulf energy supplies will force nations worldwide, who are having to implement costly policies to reduce the impact of increased energy prices on their populations, to question the actions of the US in Iran”

Down To Earth

Iran's strategy appears designed to pressure global powers by targeting Gulf energy supplies, with attacks on facilities like Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery demonstrating this approach.

Down To Earth

The resulting energy price increases have forced nations worldwide to implement costly policies to mitigate the impact on their populations.

In the Philippines, highly dependent on Gulf oil, the government has instructed agencies to cut electricity and fuel use by 10-20 percent.

Vietnam has introduced work-from-home policies for many public sector workers to deal with the economic fallout.

The conflict has reshaped regional alliances and international perceptions, with Gulf states emerging as significant losers while Netanyahu has demonstrated military competence.

Meanwhile, President Trump faces challenges in achieving his objectives, having hoped to find a "docile interlocutor" like Venezuela's interim president but instead encountering what Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour describes as an "Iranian Kim Jong-un" determined to resist.