Israel: Iran's Nuclear Facilities Have Become Vulnerable

Israel Katz, the new Israeli Defense Minister, stated on Monday, November 21, that following Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic's air defense systems, the nuclear facilities of this government have become more vulnerable than ever. Katz, speaking during his first meeting as Defense Minister with the General Staff of the Army, added that the increased vulnerability of Iran's nuclear facilities enhances the possibility of achieving the 'most important goal,' which is neutralizing and eliminating the threat of the destruction of Israel by the Islamic Republic. On the same day, Gideon Sa'ar, the new Israeli Foreign Minister, identified 'the most important issue by far for the future of the region and the security of Israel' as preventing the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons. Sa'ar reminded an international press conference that Donald Trump had warned about the dangers of the Islamic Republic becoming nuclear during his election campaigns. The Israeli Foreign Minister added that preventing the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons has been a consistent stance of various U.S. administrations. Gideon Sa'ar pointed out that the Islamic Republic is financing and arming many terrorist groups in the region, including attacks on its neighbors such as Saudi Arabia. Iran's nuclear facilities, along with oil facilities, military installations, and senior officials including Ali Khamenei, were identified in international media as potential targets for Israel ahead of the November 5 attacks by Israel in response to earlier assaults by the Islamic Republic against Israel. Various Israeli governments over the years, in coordination with the United States and European countries, have repeatedly stated that they will not allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. Araghchi stated that Tehran will respond to the Israeli attack at the 'appropriate time.' The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran has told regional countries it will provide a complex response to Israel. The U.S. has warned that it cannot deter Israel from responding to a potential attack by the Islamic Republic. Khamenei and the IRGC reiterated that the response to Israel is 'certain.' A review of Israel's attack in four locations, several layers, and various aspects has been conducted, with assessments indicating the Islamic Republic's failure to create deterrence against Israel.