why did israel attack iran

Israel attacked Iran primarily due to concerns about Iran’s advancing nuclear program, which Israel views as an existential threat. The attack, carried out in June 2025 under Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military sites, and top military commanders, including those involved in nuclear weapons development and ballistic missile programs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation aimed to "roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival" by preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This strike was a preemptive move based on Israeli intelligence suggesting Iran was close to weaponizing its nuclear program and accumulating enough fissile material for multiple nuclear bombs. Additionally, Israel sought to act before Iran reached a "point of no return" in its nuclear capabilities while also taking advantage of a moment when Iran's military reach was perceived as weakened by recent conflicts with Israel and faltering nuclear deal negotiations with the U.S. The U.S. was engaged in talks with Iran about nuclear limitations, which Israel opposed, believing diplomacy would not reduce the direct threat to Israel.