Israel and Iran Enter Second Week of Conflict Amid Regional and Global Concerns

Nuclear facilities, long the most sensitive and dangerous aspect of Israeli-Iranian hostility, were thrust front and center. Israel, fearing the acceleration of Iran’s nuclear program and the use of such sites as sanctuaries for military assets, struck several installations. Iran responded by reiterating its right to defend itself by any means. While there was no confirmed use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in the opening week, international watchdog groups and intelligence agencies expressed grave concern that escalation in this arena could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.