Israel’s escalated offensive indicates that its aims go beyond dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
Only the U.S. military has the 30,000-pound bomb capable of reaching the facility and the bomber that can carry it.
Roughly 80 pieces of missiles have fallen on Palestinian communities since the start of the Israel-Iran confrontation on Friday, according to the Palestinian authorities.
Iran is often portrayed as one of the world’s most dangerous actors, but with its attacks on Iranian defenses, nuclear sites and proxy militias, Israel has exposed a compromised and weakened adversary.
Israel and Iran both have little incentive to stop and no obvious route to outright victory. Much depends on President Trump.
In a city under attack, residents encounter gas stations that are closing because there is no fuel, and disruptions to internet and phone service.
Since its surprise attack on Iran, and subsequent strikes by Tehran, Israel has closed its skies to civilian air traffic, leaving its citizens stuck overseas indefinitely.
The path to diplomacy appeared to narrow after officials called off talks that had been set for Sunday between Tehran and Washington on Iran’s nuclear program.
Since last year, Israel forces have repeatedly hit Iran’s defenses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel had worked to “peel off the layers of protection” of Iranian defenses.
Many of those confirmed dead were women and children, according to the authorities, although they have yet to publicly name all of the victims.