US, Israel Strike Iranian Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions

A U.S. intelligence summary issued the day of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites assessed Iran could build a nuclear weapon in 3–8 months if it chose to, but found no decision by Tehran to pursue one. Similar assessments held before and after the strikes. Iran has enriched uranium to 60% and reportedly discussed hiding canisters to avoid destruction. U.S. officials note Iran could produce weapons-grade material quickly if it decided, though the nuclear weapons program has been halted since 2003 and there’s no current evidence of reauthorization. The U.S. and Israel struck multiple enrichment and research facilities, with initial assessments showing severe damage; the extent of setback remains unclear. The administration claims the strikes significantly degraded Iran’s capacity, while Iran maintains its program is peaceful.

Israel’s surprise June 13 strikes deep inside Iran shattered Tehran’s long-cultivated image of invincibility, killing senior military figures and nuclear scientists and exposing security vulnerabilities. The U.S. joined with limited hits on nuclear sites before announcing a ceasefire, leaving Iran’s leadership intact but wounded and more paranoid. At home, the regime has moved to consolidate power—arresting hundreds as alleged Israeli “mercenaries”—with expectations the IRGC will gain further clout and political space will shrink. While Iran’s retaliatory strikes won it short-term nationalist support, reformists and pro-engagement voices have been marginalized, and hardliners argue diplomacy with the West is futile. Analysts say the episode proves the Islamic Republic is neither invincible nor easily toppled: it weathered the assault without sparking popular revolt but may tighten repression and adopt a tougher foreign policy as internal succession and leadership questions loom.

Iran executed three prisoners in Urmia Prison for allegedly spying for Israel, according to state media. Authorities said the men brought “assassination equipment” into the country. The executions are the latest in a series of hangings tied to Iran’s conflict with Israel, amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian commanders.

After U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, fears of retaliation in Iraq briefly rose given the country’s mix of U.S. bases and powerful Iran-backed militias. Despite their influence and close ties to Tehran, the militias remained quiet and did not escalate, easing immediate concerns of a proxy clash on Iraqi soil. The episode underscored Iraq’s precarious position at the intersection of U.S. and Iranian interests, even as public scenes in Baghdad reflected relief over a broader Iran-Israel cease-fire.