Over the past 21 months, the words "dramatic" and "historic" have echoed repeatedly. Yet, US President Donald Trump's decision to send six B-2 bombers to strike Iran's Fordo nuclear facility and target sites in Isfahan and Natanz represents an unprecedented milestone in both scale and significance.
The operation – hailed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as a "spectacular success" – could reshape the Middle East, reducing hostile forces and, with hope, leaving Iran without nuclear arms or significant missile stockpiles.
It remains unclear whether Trump's recent public wavering on attacking Iran was sincere or a strategic ruse. What is undeniable is the complete alignment between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their unified diplomatic stance is mirrored by flawless coordination among top military officials.
The US role is a game-changer. The B-2 bombers, which Israel does not possess, delivered a devastating blow to the heavily fortified Fordo site, a feat beyond Israel's aerial capabilities. Only the US had the heavy ordnance needed to demolish such a nuclear stronghold.
Furthermore, the US strikes will likely accelerate the end of the Israel-Iran conflict. Within days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to inform political leaders that they have fulfilled their objectives, striking all planned targets since Operation Rising Lion began. The US involvement also transforms the conflict into a global issue, amplifying Israel's long-standing efforts to highlight Iran's threat on the world stage.
Military force alone cannot end this war; a US-led diplomatic push for a nuclear deal is critical. Trump, in his speeches, justifiably calls for the absolute surrender of Iran's regime, seeking to enforce peace through overwhelming strength.
Iran's next move is unclear, as the regime likely deliberates its response. On Sunday morning, it fired two missile salvos at Israel – first 25 missiles, then another five – hitting areas near Ness Ziona, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. Israel's disciplined civilian response limited casualties to one person moderately injured and others with minor wounds, despite extensive property damage.
So far, Iran has refrained from attacking US assets in the region. The full extent of damage to Iran's nuclear sites is under evaluation, and the world awaits Tehran's reaction, which may force a choice between nuclear ambitions and regime survival.
For Israel, Operation Rising Lion – peaking with the US strike on Fordo – is the high point of a war that began with the shock of October 7, 2023, when Israel was caught unprepared. Now, Israel has significantly restored its deterrence, neutralizing numerous threats – from Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, to Iran in the east.
Without Yahya Sinwar's brutal October 7 attack, Israel's strategic posture might not have evolved. That assault enabled Israel to neutralize Hezbollah and muster the courage for a preemptive strike on Iran, potentially eliminating an existential threat.
Should the US and Israel soon declare victory over Iran, Israel's focus will turn to Gaza, where 50 hostages, including one woman's remains, are still held by Hamas. With Iran's influence diminished, some in Israel believe Hamas may soften its stance in talks, enabling Israel to negotiate from strength to secure the release of 20 living hostages and the remains of 30 others.
