Why Israel Will Likely Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites
on Sunday, January 12, 2025 by Bill Salus“Conditions are ripe to strike Iran’s nuclear program, sec. official says”
“Iran has never been more vulnerable to strikes against its nuclear capabilities,” the official said…The official added that Israel will not allow a nuclear Iran and, therefore, will continue to prepare to strike the nuclear project.” (Jerusalem Post – 11/22/24)
Don’t be surprised to wake up one nearby morning to this sort of headline, “Israel Conducts Pre-emptive Strikes Against Iran’s Nuclear Sites.” Day by day this scenario becomes more likely. In fact, on October 26, 2024, Israel struck and destroyed Iran’s top-secret nuclear weapons research facility in Parchin.
“Israel destroyed secret Iranian nuke site in October strikes”
“The facility in Parchin was completely destroyed during Israel’s Oct. 26 attack on Iran, according to satellite imagery.” (JNS – 11/26/24)
This timely article will explore the menu of reasons why Israel will likely soon strike Iran’s nuclear site(s). The reasons will be identified numerically below in no specific order of importance and then expounded upon subsequently.
The Menu of Reasons Israel Will Likely Strike
1. Israel has a history of striking nuclear facilities.
2. Israel holds to the “Begin Doctrine” established by Menachem Begin in 1981.
3. Israel has vowed to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
4. Israel has destroyed Iran’s primary missile defense systems rendering Iran vulnerable to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities.
5. Israel will likely have America’s approval through the presidency of Donald Trump.
6. Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies.
7. Israel has destroyed most of Syria’s missile defense systems, which enables more freedom to fly safely to Iran over Syrian air space.
8. Israel has to act now because Iran is on the fast track to obtaining several nuclear bombs.
9. An ancient Bible prophecy in Jeremiah 49:34-39 may foretell of such a nuclear strike.
1. Israel has a history of striking nuclear facilities.
In modern history, Israel has destroyed two nuclear reactors in the Middle East. One in Iraq and the other in Syria.
Operation Opera in (Iraq): In a surprise attack On June 7, 1981, which was the 14-year anniversary of Israel’s Six-Day War against Egypt, Syria and Jordan, Israel destroyed Iraq’s unfinished Osirak nuclear reactor. This is when the “Begin Doctrine was established.” This doctrine will be discussed next.
Operation Orchard (Syria): Acting in accordance with the “Begin Doctrine, on September 6, 2007, Israel conducted a preemptive airstrike that destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor at the Al Kibar site in Syria.
2. Israel holds to the “Begin Doctrine” established by Menachem Begin in 1981.
“The Begin doctrine is the common term for the Israeli government’s preventive strike, counter-proliferation policy regarding their potential enemies’ capability to possess weapons of mass destruction (WMD), particularly nuclear weapons… The doctrine itself was enunciated by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in June 1981, following Israel’s attack on Iraq’s nuclear reactor Osirak in Operation Opera. The doctrine remains a feature of Israeli security planning.”
The Wikipedia quote above provides a good explanation of the Begin (Menachem) Doctrine. The interesting story behind the implementation of this doctrine was told to me by Israeli envoy to the USA Yoram Ettinger in 2014 at a breakfast meeting. White House correspondent Bill Koenig and I sat down together with Yoram and asked him if he thought Israel would strike Iran’s nuclear site(s). His response is provided in the story below.
Sometime in the first half of 1981, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin called together all of Israel’s top military and key political leaders in a closed-door meeting to discuss how to handle Iraq’s developing nuclear program. The potential of Iraq possessing a nuclear weapon posed an existential threat to the Jewish state.
Begin
sought the leader’s opinions about the potential outcomes of an Israeli
pre-emptive strike upon Iraq’s Osirak unfinished nuclear reactor. They were not
in favor of such a strike for the following reasons:
1. It could incite the entire Muslim world to unite against Israel in a massive war that might potentially wipe Israel off of the map.
2. It could cause strong condemnation by the international community, including America and the Western world, because they were mostly supporting Iraq in its war against Iran at the time.
3. This international condemnation could lead to harsh sanctions that could topple Israel’s economy.
Additional adverse conditions were also mentioned and the consensus was that this would be a BAD MOVE! Begin respectfully thanked all of his top confidants and then responded by saying something along the lines of, “If we don’t destroy the reactor and Iraq gets a nuclear weapon, this could result in the end of the Jewish state.” He concluded by stating, “We will strike Iraq NOW!”
Shortly thereafter, Israel destroyed the Osirak reactor and none of the above concerns manifested as a result. This scenario is what led to the implementation of the Begin Doctrine, which is still in place and understood by Israel’s present political and military leaders. Thus, a pre-emptive strike on nuclear reactors has historical precedent with Israel.
3. Israel has vowed to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
“Israel’s Netanyahu says will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons” (Reuters – 4/12/21)
The Reuters quote above dates back to 2021, which shows that for a long time Israel has pledged that Iran will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. As the headline below evidenced, this pledge even dates back before the JCPOA Iranian nuclear agreement was implemented in 2015. Presently, this pledge is still in effect.
“Netanyahu: Israel Won’t Allow Iran To Get Nuclear Bomb” (Radio Free Europe – 10/1/13)
4. Israel has destroyed Iran’s primary missile defense systems rendering Iran vulnerable to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities.
“Israel took out primary Iranian air defenses, left it ‘essentially naked’”
“Sources tell Fox News airstrikes destroyed remaining three S-300 batteries; Israeli official says ‘majority of Iran’s air defense was taken out’” (Times of Israel – 10/30/24)
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched about two hundred ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. Fortunately for Israel they were mostly ineffective. Subsequently, in a retaliatory strike into Iran on October 26, 2024, Israel destroyed a majority of Iran’s missile defenses rendering it essentially defenseless to a future Israeli strike upon Iran’s nuclear sites.
5. Israel will likely have America’s approval through the presidency of Donald Trump.
“Trump Team Weighs Options, Including Airstrikes, to Stop Iran’s Nuclear Program” (Wall Street Journal – 12/13/24)
According to the WSJ headline above, Donald Trump is already considering the option of airstrikes upon Iran’s nuclear program. Thus, it would be unlikely that he would oppose an Israeli strike. In fact, the headline below suggests that Trump is in favor of Israel going after Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“Trump urges Israel to take out Iran nuclear facilities, rips Biden for urging Jewish state to show restraint” (New York Post – 10/5/24)
“Report: Israel thinks Trump will back IDF strike on Iran nuke program or order US hit” (Times of Israel – 1/6/25)
6. Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies.
“Iran in a ‘position of unprecedented weakness’ after the fall of Assad in Syria” (France 24 – 12/9/24)
Syria, under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad was a major proxy of Iran. Assad allowed Iran to send weapons through Syria to Hezbollah. However Assad’s government has fallen and Assad has fled to Russia for asylum. In addition, Israel has destroyed the Syrian shipping corridor that Iran used, which has restricted Iran’s ability to further supply Hezbollah with much needed missiles and weapons.
“Hezbollah Loses Supply Route Through Syria, in Blow to It and Iran” (New York Times – 12/14/24)
Hezbollah, one of Iran’s strongest proxies has been severely damaged by Israel in their year-long war that Hezbollah initiated on October 8, 2023. With the supply lines cut off in Syria, Hezbollah’s fighting power has been drastically reduced.
“IDF reveals Hezbollah missile arsenal severely depleted since beginning of operations”
“The IDF estimates that “80% of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal within a range of up to 40 kilometers has been destroyed.” (Jerusalem Post – 11/10/24)
Hamas, like Hezbollah, has become severely weakened in its war with Israel. They have mostly been reduced to fighting in guerilla warfare for their survival.
“Israeli Defense Minister Says Hamas Destroyed as Organized Fighting Force” (FDD –9/11/24)
“Palestinian armed groups adopt ‘guerrilla warfare’ against Israel” (The New Arab – 7/11/24)
The dynamics have changed in Israel’s favor as now Iran’s primary proxies have suffered devastating blows. As such, Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies should they strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
As I author this article, the Houthis are steadily launching missiles from Yemen into Israel, but Israel has vowed to make an end of this Iranian proxy as well.
“Israel struggles to deter escalating attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels as other fronts calm”
“The Iran-backed Houthis are stepping up their missile attacks, sending hundreds of thousands of Israelis scrambling for shelter in the middle of the night, scaring away foreign airlines and keeping up what could be the last major front in the Middle East wars.” (AP – 1/2/25)
“Israel, at UN, warns Houthis risk sharing same fate as Hamas, Hezbollah” (Reuters – 12/30/24)
7. Israel has destroyed most of Syria’s missile defense systems, which enables more freedom to fly safely to Iran over Syrian air space.
Israel claims to have destroyed most of Syria’s air defense systems, making it safer to fly over Syrian airspace on route to strike Iran.
“Israel destroys 85% of Syria’s air defense systems” (Middle East Monitor (MEM) – 12/13/24)
8. Israel has to act now because Iran is on the fast track to obtaining several nuclear bombs.
With the weakening of Hamas, Hezbollah and collapse of the Assad regime, Iran appears to be focusing more of its efforts toward developing nuclear weapons.
“Iran expands weaponization capabilities critical for employing nuclear bomb”
“Expert says Iran ‘is moving towards building the bomb at a rapid pace’” (Fox News – 12/20/24)
9. An ancient Bible prophecy in Jeremiah 49:34-39 may foretell of such a nuclear strike.
According to a biblical prophecy issued around 596 BC found in Jeremiah 49:34-39, a disaster is going to happen in Iran in the latter days. Jeremiah 49:37-38 declares this disaster is caused by God as a direct result of bad Iranian leadership doing something, or intending to do something that fiercely angers Him.
The prophecy involves the ancient territory of Elam. The modern-day location of Elam where this disaster takes place is in western Iran hugging the Persian Gulf. (Refer to map image)
Today, Iran is comprised of the historic lands of Elam and Persia. These are two distinctly different territories that have always been geographically separated by the Zagros Mountains.
But why does God get “fiercely angry” with the leaders of Iran? The verse below holds the key that unlocks the answer to this question.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, (at), The foremost of their might.” (Jer. 49:35, NKJV; emphasis added)
The New Living Translation (NLT) says it this way,
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “I will destroy the archers of Elam— the best of their forces.”
The modern-day inference is that the bad Iranian leaders want to launch lethal missiles somewhere, perhaps tipped with nuclear payloads and these evil plans will be denied. God declares that He will, “break the bow,” or in other words destroy these missile launchers beforehand in order to prevent these deadly rockets from being dispatched.
As per the verse below, this catastrophe appears to cause a humanitarian crisis because in the aftermath the affected Iranians are forced into a worldwide dispersion, which suggests that this disaster could be nuclear-related.
“I will bring enemies from all directions, and I will scatter the people of Elam to the four winds. They will be exiled to countries around the world.” (Jer. 49:36, NLT)
Elam, (Western Iran), just so happens to be where most of Iran’s missile silos and portable rocket launchers are positioned. These launchers are mostly aimed at Israel. It is also the location of the following important Iranian military and nuclear related sites.
Isfahan: Iran’s largest nuclear research facility.
Natanz: Iran’s primary enrichment facility.
Bushehr: One of Iran’s nuclear reactors.
Shiraz: Iran’s special weapons and missile development facility.
These four sites are high-profile targets for Israel to strike. In fact, on April 19, 2024, Israel already conducted a limited drone attack at Isfahan.
“Israel Launches Drone Strikes Near Iranian Nuclear Facilities”
“On April 19 at approximately 3:00 AM local time the Israeli Defense Forces launched drone strikes on targets in and around the Iranian city of Isfahan.” (Military Watch Magazine – 4/19/24)
There is no evidence that Jeremiah’s Elam prophecy has found historical fulfillment, for which in light of current events makes this a potential prophecy to be on the lookout. The absence of historical proof is pointed out in my article available online entitled, “Has the Prophecy of Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-39 Been Historically Fulfilled?”
Thus, if the complete destruction of Elam has not happened historically, then logically this means the prophecies of Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-39 will take place sometime in the future. Who could God be so fiercely angry at now in modern-day Iran? Could it be the rogue Islamic regime who wants to wipe Israel off of the map using nuclear ballistic missiles?
In Jeremiah 49:35, God says He is going to bring about a great disaster in Western Iran. It causes a calamity that necessitates the worldwide dispersion of the indigenous population. Could this likely allude to a future great catastrophe in Iran that destroys their missile launching capabilities and some nuclear sites in the territory of Elam?
In these turbulent times things are rapidly changing in the Middle East, making it difficult to predict the next major Mideast headline. Who would have thought the Assad regime would collapse so quickly.
Maybe Iran will negotiate another nuclear deal, or there might be a regime change in Iran, but for the menu of reasons identified in this article, it would be no surprise to see an Israeli pre-emptive strike upon Iran’s nuclear sites, and likely SOON!
For the studious readers, below are a few comments and quotes about these four strategic nuclear related targets and their connections with ancient Elam.
Isfahan: Isfahan province is one of Iran’s 31 provinces. Isfahan or Espahan is the capital city in this province and is Iran’s third biggest city, hosting a population of about 1.5 million people. Below are a few quotes connecting Isfahan with the territory of Elam.
“Located in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Isfahan is a city formed at a major crossroads of trans-Asia trade and military routes. As such, the city emerged gradually over the course of the Elamite civilization (2700 – 1600 BCE), though artifacts found at Isfahan date back to the Paleolithic period.”[
“In the Pre-Islamic era, Isfahan was home to the settlement that developed into the Elamite civilization (2700 BC) and was the home of the Median dynasty until Cyrus the Great unified Persian and Median lands into the Achaemenid Empire ~ 600 BC.”[i]
Natanz: is also located in the Isfahan Province and is about seventy-five miles north of Isfahan, which is also in Elam.
Bushehr: is a province in Iran and is where Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor is located.
“The oldest evidence of settlement in Bushehr province dates back to the era of Elam (2700-539 B.C.), an ancient pre-Iranian civilization.”[ii]
Shiraz: The city of Shiraz in the province of Fars. The quote below pinpoints Fars in Elam.
“The Elamites’ homeland is a region known as Khuzestan in southwestern Iran. The geographical and political center of most of Elamite history was the city of Susa and its surrounding environs. However, the region of Fars in the Zagros Mountains and Anshan were also considered part of historical Elam.”[iii]
For more information on the Elam prophecy we encourage you to buy the book entitled, Nuclear Showdown in Iran, Revealing the Ancient Prophecy of Elam. The book also has a DVD of the same name.
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[i] Isfahan: https://persiannomad.wordpress.com/tag/history/
[ii] Bushehr: https://www.persiaadvisor.com/about-persia/bushehr-province/#:~:text=The%20oldest%20evidence%20of%20settlement,an%20ancient%20pre%2DIranian%20civilization
[iii] Shiraz: https://www.dailyhistory.org/How_Did_the_Elamites_Become_a_Powerful_Bronze_Age_People
