Countries without nuclear weapons could decide nuclear nonproliferation and transparency efforts that the world has taken for granted now pose more risk than reward.
As the dust settles over the American missile and bomb craters in Iran, questions are already swirling about the success of the U.S. operation and the ripple effect it could have on the region and beyond.
Erin Dumbacher, Stanton Nuclear Security Senior Fellow at the Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the U.S. attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities, what the strikes accomplished, and how the conflict might evolve.
The United States joined Israel’s bombing campaign of Iran’s nuclear program. A clear picture of the damage inside Iran—and the state of its nuclear strength—is still unfolding.
The United States maintains an extensive military footprint in the Middle East, including a number of naval assets and permanent U.S. bases. Washington’s presence has allowed it to respond to regional threats, including the Yemen-based Houthi rebels and escalating Israel-Iran tensions.
Despite the impressive advances in airpower since the 1950s—like the precision-guided munitions employed in Saturday’s attack—there is only so much airstrikes can accomplish.
As the United States joins Israel’s bombing campaign of Iran, some have questioned whether the president has the authority to involve the U.S. military in this conflict.
After a week of Israeli attacks on its top military leaders and nuclear infrastructure, Iran’s autocratic regime still appears capable of weathering the conflict. But a power struggle looms.
Steven Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s attacks on Iran’s senior military leadership and on its nuclear infrastructure.
Who calls the shots in Iran on economic policy, security, and domestic calls for reform? A look at the government’s organization chart indicates how complicated the answer is.
Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal—particularly reports of a growing enriched uranium stockpile—garnered increased international scrutiny before becoming the primary targets of an attack by Israel in June.
It’s too soon to tell how exactly the current wave of Israeli strikes could transform the region, but one thing is clear: Israel’s actions have fundamentally reshaped the security landscape of the Middle East.
Israel’s large-scale attack on Iran’s nuclear and military structures threatens to further escalate Mideast tensions while weakening Iran and its proxy network.
The IRGC is one of the most powerful organizations in Iran, conceived as the principal defender of the 1979 revolution, and now a critical link to Islamist militant groups violently opposed to Israel and the United States.