Senior Israeli defense officials say the country is preparing for the possibility that Iran will try to recover from the heavy blows it suffered during the 12-day war and restart its nuclear and military programs—especially ballistic missile development.
Israel is already preparing for this scenario and for a potential new round of conflict with Iran.
The U.S. also seems to be preparing. On June 28, President Donald Trump said he would consider bombing Iran again if it resumed uranium enrichment.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare an “enforcement plan” that includes maintaining aerial superiority, halting Iran’s nuclear and missile progress, and responding to its terror-supporting activity. The plan stresses Israeli air dominance in every relevant theater—Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and especially Iran.
Despite major achievements in the war, several issues remain:
NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS: While Israel eliminated 17 top Iranian nuclear scientists, around 80 remain. These experts could help Iran rebuild its nuclear capabilities.
MISSILE ARSENAL: Despite Israel’s strikes, Iran still has about 1,000 ballistic missiles and 200 launchers. Its proxies in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon retain strike capabilities using missiles and drones.
ENRICHMENT AND CONCEALMENT: Iran claims it moved 400 kg of 60%-enriched uranium and thousands of advanced centrifuges from its underground Fordow facility days before the Israeli-American attack. It also reported building a new enrichment facility, without disclosing the location.
Iran admits its nuclear sites suffered damage but insists the program survives. The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, said on June 24 that restoration is proceeding as planned. Intelligence sources suspect Iran may now shift operations to secret sites and possibly enrich uranium up to 93%—enough for nuclear weapons—nullifying the fatwa by Supreme Leader Khamenei banning nuclear arms.
Iran insists it does not need outside help to rebuild. With tens of thousands of scientists and engineers, it says it has the knowledge and manpower to continue.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told CBS that although the strikes damaged infrastructure, Iran could resume enrichment within months because “knowledge cannot be erased.”
Bottom line: Israel and the U.S. delivered a serious blow to Iran’s nuclear program. The immediate threat is reduced—but Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities were not completely dismantled. The strategic cat-and-mouse game begins now.
Photo: Reuters