Senior Israeli Military Official: Negative Developments in Iran's Nuclear Program Could Lead to 'Action'

The highest-ranking Israeli general raised the prospect of 'action' against Iran regarding its nuclear program on Tuesday. According to Reuters, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, stated in a speech: 'Iran has made more progress in uranium enrichment than ever before... Negative developments are on the horizon that could lead to action (military).' He did not provide details on what these developments might be or what actions could be taken by whom. Halevi, speaking at the Herzliya Conference, an international security forum, made a clear reference to the United States, stating: 'We have capabilities, and others have capabilities too.' Experts disagree on whether the Israeli military alone has the capability to inflict permanent damage on Iran's nuclear facilities, which are dispersed, distant from each other, and equipped with defensive measures. Furthermore, even the national security advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has downplayed any immediate threat posed by the construction of new underground nuclear facilities in Iran. Efforts by global powers to negotiate new restrictions on uranium enrichment in Iran and other projects capable of producing nuclear bombs have so far been unsuccessful. There are speculations that Israel may use neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, as a platform for attacks inside Iran. Despite warm relations with Israel, Baku has publicly rejected this idea. The Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister stated at the Herzliya Conference: 'We refrain from intervening in the disputes or problems of other countries, including allowing the use of our territory... for some operations or adventures.' Earlier, the Associated Press reported on Monday that Iran is constructing a new underground site in the Zagros Mountains to replace a revealed uranium centrifuge production center near Natanz that was damaged by an explosion and fire in July 2020. The Islamic Republic denies efforts to build a nuclear bomb and has warned that it will respond to any attack with retaliation. However, Iran's nuclear facilities have repeatedly been targets of sabotage attacks. Iranian American Jews: Iranians consider 'separatists' as enemies of the Iranian nation. Israeli Foreign Minister: The restoration of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran could benefit Israel. Israeli President: We must help the people of Iran who are 'fed up' with the Islamic Republic. Azerbaijani officials have detained at least nine people on suspicion of connections with the Islamic Republic.