An unnamed senior Israeli military official warned on 1/5 that the achievements from over a month of conflict would be "meaningless" if the United States and Iran do not reach an agreement to remove over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium from the West Asian nation. The official also emphasized the need for Tehran to cease uranium enrichment.

"If the nuclear objective is not achieved, everything we have done in Iran will be a major failure," the official stated. "If the uranium is removed from Iran through diplomatic means, we will have completed our part." The official cautioned that Israel would need to conduct another operation in Iran if this scenario does not materialize.

Damaged buildings at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility in a satellite image released on 2/3. *Photo: Reuters*

The United States and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on 28/2, citing the need to "eliminate threats" from the adversary, including Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The operation also aimed to "create conditions" for the Iranian people to overthrow the regime.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite reportedly holding over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%. This level is close to the 90% required for weapon-grade material. Israeli officials indicated that this quantity of uranium would be sufficient to construct 11 atomic bombs if further enriched.

Fighting in the US-Israel operation against Iran ceased after an 8/4 ceasefire, allowing Washington and Tehran to negotiate. While Iran maintains tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in retaliation.

Centrifuges at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility in a photo published in 11/2019. *Photo: IRNA*

US President Donald Trump rejected a proposal from Tehran this week. According to an Iranian official, the proposal included resuming maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz and the United States ending its blockade of Iranian ports, with Tehran's nuclear program to be addressed at a later stage.

During a recent visit to southern Lebanon, Israeli army commander Eyal Zamir declared that all political objectives set for the conflict in Iran and Lebanon "have been achieved, and even surpassed." He added, "We have created the conditions to implement the processes being led by politicians."

Pham Giang (According to Times of Israel, AFP, IRNA)