The strike Israel carried out against Iran was precise, resolute, and technologically advanced. It reflected extraordinary intelligence capabilities and bold operational execution. Its reverberations were felt not only in Tehran but also in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. Israel made clear its red lines – and its determination to defend them.
Still, let us not be under any illusions: this was a tactical victory, not a strategic solution. Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains largely intact. The scientific expertise behind the program cannot be bombed. Its ballistic missile arsenal has not been dismantled. And above all, its ideological and strategic intent to threaten Israel – directly or via proxies in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen – remains undeterred.
A window for a diplomatic initiative
Precisely now, when deterrence has been temporarily reestablished and the world’s attention is focused, a narrow but exceptional window has opened for a diplomatic initiative. Israel, together with the United States and other global partners, must act boldly to launch a political process aimed at curbing Iran’s ambitions and restoring regional stability.
This is not a task for Israel alone. Regional players – especially moderate Arab states who also view a nuclear Iran as a dire threat – have a critical role to play. The Abraham Accords created a foundation of trust and common interest. That foundation can now be expanded into a broader coalition for peace and security. A united front of Arab and Western nations pressing for deescalation and non-proliferation would carry far greater weight than any military strike.
Such a diplomatic move should demand:
- A verifiable halt to uranium enrichment beyond civilian levels.
- Dismantling of long-range missile capabilities that could deliver nuclear payloads.
- An end to support for militias and terror groups targeting Israel and destabilizing neighboring states.
Now is the time for statesmanship
This would not be a gesture of naivete. It would require strength, perseverance, and international coordination. But it is the only path to convert operational success into enduring strategic benefit.
Yes, there is a natural sense of pride – even triumph. But this is not the time for complacency: It is the time for statesmanship. The next phase must be political – backed by diplomacy, vision, and responsibility.
After years of war, uncertainty, and rising regional tension, the opportunity exists to turn a dangerous moment into a turning point. It is time to think not only tactically but strategically – and not only nationally, but regionally and globally.
The writer served as strategic adviser to Shimon Peres, 1990–2016.