Israel’s precise strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities reveal a sophisticated strategy that may force Tehran to the negotiating table with American backing.

At a Glance

• Israel conducted precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure with U.S. intelligence support
• The operation creates a strategic opportunity for the U.S. to pressure Iran toward a nuclear agreement
• This represents a “bad cop, good cop” approach with Israel taking military action while the U.S. pursues diplomatic channels
• The strikes have weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities, potentially making them more amenable to negotiations
• U.S. forces assisted by intercepting Iranian missile attacks but did not directly participate in offensive operations

Strategic Military Cooperation

Israel’s recent military operations against Iranian nuclear sites mark a significant shift in regional dynamics. The precision strikes, while carried out by Israeli forces, benefited from substantial American intelligence support and coordination. U.S. troops did not participate directly in the offensive operations, maintaining a critical distinction that prevents America from being pulled into a wider conflict. However, the U.S. demonstrated its commitment by actively intercepting Iranian missile attacks aimed at Tel Aviv, showcasing the defensive aspect of this partnership.

The operation represents a carefully calibrated approach that allows Israel to address immediate security concerns while creating space for American diplomatic initiatives. Defense experts note that this coordination has been designed specifically to allow targeted military pressure without triggering a full-scale regional war. This delicate balance demonstrates the sophisticated nature of Israeli-American security cooperation in addressing the Iranian nuclear threat.

Iran will seek to exact a heavy toll on both Israel and the United States

JERUSALEM—Years of speculation over the possibility of an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities ended at approximately 3:30 a.m. (Israel time) on Friday when first reports of explosions in…

— Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil) June 13, 2025

Diplomatic Opportunity Through Military Action

The strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure appear to be creating what security analysts describe as a strategic window of opportunity for diplomatic engagement. By degrading Iran’s nuclear and retaliatory capabilities, Israel has effectively changed the negotiating landscape. This action follows the classic “bad cop, good cop” strategy, with Israel taking aggressive military action while positioning the United States to step in with diplomatic solutions. The approach leverages military pressure to create favorable conditions for negotiation.

The timing of these operations provides the U.S. administration with a unique opportunity to present new proposals to Iran from a position of strength. With Iran’s capabilities diminished and its leadership potentially seeking to avoid further military confrontation, American diplomats may find Tehran more receptive to discussing nuclear limitations. This represents a significant shift from previous diplomatic efforts that occurred without the backdrop of successful military operations against Iran’s nuclear program.

Operation "Rising Lion”: American Support and Trump’s Dilemmas@EldadShavit and Chuck Freilich, Senior Researchers at INSS, write:

More than a day after Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion,” U.S. administration spokespersons continue to express support for the Israeli… pic.twitter.com/it3Gpn93Ax

— INSS (@INSSIsrael) June 14, 2025

Broader Campaign Against Iranian Influence

The strikes against nuclear sites represent just one component of a broader Israeli campaign targeting various aspects of Iranian power projection in the Middle East. This comprehensive approach includes operations against Hamas in Gaza, Iranian proxy networks throughout the region, and now direct action against Iran’s nuclear program. By addressing these interconnected threats simultaneously, Israel is working to reduce Iran’s ability to destabilize the region through multiple channels.

The nuclear aspect of this campaign holds particular significance for American interests. Former President Trump withdrew from the original Iran nuclear deal, but reports suggest that a revised agreement allowing uranium enrichment strictly for civilian purposes might gain support across political lines. The current situation presents an opportunity for rapid diplomatic action, with Iran potentially more willing to accept limitations on its nuclear program following the demonstration of Israeli military capabilities.

Long-term Strategic Implications

Security experts emphasize that the window for diplomatic progress may be limited, requiring swift action from American negotiators. The successful Israeli operations have temporarily disrupted Iran’s nuclear advancement, but without follow-through on the diplomatic front, Iran could simply rebuild and strengthen these capabilities over time. The strikes therefore represent not an end in themselves but rather a means to create conditions for a more sustainable solution through negotiated agreements.

For American policymakers, the challenge lies in leveraging this moment of military advantage without allowing tensions to escalate beyond control. The coordination between Israeli military action and American diplomatic positioning demonstrates a sophisticated approach to addressing the Iranian nuclear threat. If successful, this strategy could lead to meaningful constraints on Iran’s nuclear program while avoiding a larger regional conflict that would threaten American interests and allies throughout the Middle East.