Overview
- U.S. forces struck Iran’s nuclear facilities on Sunday at President Donald Trump’s direction, achieving a long-sought priority for both nations.
- The assault, alongside recent Israeli strikes, propelled Netanyahu’s approval ratings and coalition support to their strongest levels since the October 2023 Hamas attack.
- Prominent critics, including opposition leaders, lauded the joint campaign, giving Netanyahu leverage to advance Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks.
- Analysts caution that Iran’s potential retaliation could extend the conflict and strain Israel’s air defenses, risking an erosion of the prime minister’s political boost.
- The renewed momentum may also reinvigorate stalled talks on normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, though looming elections and regional tensions leave long-term outcomes uncertain.