Israel preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites - media --Events in Syria have created a window of opportunity, sources have told Times of Israel | 12 Dec 2024 | The Israeli Air Force is carrying out preparations for "potential strikes" on Iranian nuclear facilities, military officials have told Times of Israel. West Jerusalem believes that the surprise takeover of Syria by jihadist rebels has weakened Tehran’s position in the region, which could prompt Iran to speed up its atomic program, the outlet said. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have taken out most of Syrian air defenses, clearing the way for an operation against Iran. Tehran has long insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful and civilian in nature, contrary to allegations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Iran has sought an atomic bomb.