Why did Israel defy Trump? And what happens next?

[justaprogressive]

Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country’s nuclear program.

Israel’s air strikes hit Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities.

Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised “severe punishment” in response. Iran could potentially target Israel’s own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack.

The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications.

Stalled nuclear talks
The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump’s request and aimed to reach a deal within months.

https://www.alternet.org/trump-israel/

[usonian]

1. Trump's negotiating skills are well known.

And he blabs.

[Mountainguy]

2. A nuclear Iran is an existential threat

To Israel, and they have been clear they won't tolerate it.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Nobody respects trump. Everybody knows he's a TACO...

Netty seeking support as his Gaza slaughter wears thin.