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US strikes on Iran open rift in Trump's support base
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US hit by first extreme heat wave of the year
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Holders Thailand among seven set for LPGA International Crown
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England set 371 to win India series opener after Pant heroics
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UK and Ukraine agree to deepen ties as Zelensky meets Starmer
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New York state to build nuclear power plant
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Syria announces arrests over Damascus church attack
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Bradley eyes playing captain role at Ryder Cup after win
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US existing home sales little-changed on sluggish market
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Top US court takes case of Rastafarian whose hair was cut in prison
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Greece declares emergency on Chios over wildfires
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Embattled Thai PM reshuffles cabinet as crisis rages
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Killer whales spotted grooming each other with seaweed
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Where is Iran's uranium? Questions abound after US strikes
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EU approves MotoGP takeover by F1 owner Liberty Media
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Duplantis says vaulting 6.40m is within the 'realm of possibility'
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Pant piles on agony for England with record-breaking century
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NATO to take 'quantum leap' with 5% summit pledge: Rutte
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Textor sells Crystal Palace stake to boost hopes of European competition
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Earth's satellites at risk if asteroid smashes into Moon: study
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Syria president vows those involved in church attack will face justice
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Russian barrage kills 10 in Kyiv, including 11-year-old girl
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Military bases or vital waterway: Iran weighs response to US strikes
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Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro dies aged nearly 99
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Rahul and Pant build India lead against England
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UK probes maternity services after scandals
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Asian countries most vulnerable to Strait of Hormuz blockade
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Anger as Kanye West to perform in Slovakia after Hitler song
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Israel targets Iran Guards, Tehran prison in fresh wave of strikes
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Star-packed, Covid-shaped 'Death Stranding 2' drops this week
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IOC is in 'best of hands', says Bach as he hands over to Coventry
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Oil prices seesaw as investors await Iran response to US strikes
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Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year
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Tehran hit by Israeli attacks, vows response to US strikes
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New CEO of Jeep owner Stellantis starts with leadership shake-up
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Russian drone and missile barrage kills eight in Kyiv
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Oil dips, dollar firms after US strikes in Iran
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Paris Olympics and Paralympics cost taxpayer nearly 6 bn euros: state body
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Eurozone business activity almost flat again in June
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In Norway's Arctic, meteorologists have a first-row seat to climate change
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Iran vows retaliation for US strikes as Israel keeps up attacks
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Russian drone and missile barrage on Kyiv kills seven
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Oil rises, dollar firms after US strikes in Iran
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'Noble to attend': Budapest prepares for 'banned' Pride march
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Art market banking on new generation of collectors
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Turning 80, UN faces fresh storm of doubts
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'A great start': NBA crown just the beginning for Shai
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Man City hit six to reach Club World Cup last 16, Real Madrid win with 10 men
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Iran vows retaliation after US strikes on nuclear sites
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'Massive' Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least five: Ukraine
Israel's War on Iran's Ayatollahs
In recent years, the rivalry between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Israel adopting a comprehensive approach to weaken Iran's leadership, particularly its influential Ayatollahs. This strategy encompasses military action, intelligence operations, and diplomatic efforts, all aimed at curbing Iran's regional dominance and thwarting its nuclear aspirations.
Military Operations
A cornerstone of Israel's approach is its use of military force. Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes targeting Iranian assets, not only within Iran but also in countries such as Syria and Iraq. These operations have focused on disrupting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, missile capabilities, and military installations. The strikes have dealt significant blows to Iran's nuclear programme, delaying its potential to develop nuclear weapons and altering the strategic balance in the region.
Intelligence and Cyber Warfare
Beyond conventional military tactics, Israel has leveraged its intelligence capabilities to undermine Iran's leadership. The Mossad, Israel's renowned intelligence agency, has orchestrated operations that include the targeted elimination of prominent Iranian figures. These actions are designed to destabilise Iran's command structure and sow uncertainty within its regime. Additionally, cyber warfare has been employed to disrupt critical Iranian systems, further hampering its operational capacity.
Diplomatic Manoeuvres
On the diplomatic front, Israel has worked tirelessly to isolate Iran internationally. By collaborating with the United States and other allies, Israel has pushed for stringent sanctions and sought to build a coalition against Iran's actions. Israel's leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently framed Iran as a grave threat, advocating for robust measures to counter its influence. While targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been considered, such a step remains a highly provocative option.
Iran's Response and Regional Fallout
Despite Israel's efforts, Iran's leadership has proven resilient. Ayatollah Khamenei has adopted a lower profile, while Iran's military has responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli targets. This escalation has drawn in other regional and global actors, including the United States, which has conducted its own operations against Iranian nuclear sites, adding further complexity to an already volatile situation.
Final Conclusion
Israel's strategy to counter Iran's leadership blends military precision, intelligence prowess, and diplomatic pressure. While these efforts have succeeded in disrupting Iran's ambitions to some extent, they have also heightened tensions, plunging the Middle East into a precarious and unpredictable state. The ongoing conflict underscores the challenges of containing Iran's influence and the high stakes involved for all parties.