Overview

• Iran’s state television reported that its intelligence services acquired thousands of sensitive files on Israel’s nuclear projects without explaining how they were obtained.
• The announcement marks a significant escalation in a shadow war defined by espionage, sabotage and targeted assassinations between Tehran and Jerusalem.
• Last year’s direct missile and drone strikes by Iran against Israeli territory had already pushed tensions to a new high.
• Iranian officials continue to insist their nuclear program is strictly for civilian energy under their Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations.
• U.S. and Iranian representatives have held indirect talks in Rome mediated by Oman, but no concrete breakthrough has been reported so far.