Although Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, Israel has long seen it as a threat. Israeli strikes have hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities — Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. Little damage appears visible in satellite imagery of Fordow.

Trump calls for Iran's 'unconditional surrender', tells Tehran to evacuate as air war rages on. Israel plans to destroy Fordow nuclear site.

Iran’s allies, the self-described “Axis of Resistance,” have been severely hurt by ongoing Israeli attacks since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, particularly Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran has long used those groups as both an asymmetrical way to attack Israel and as a shield against a direct assault.