Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global Issues, Issue: Israel – Iran Conflict.
Context:
Israel attacked Iran to cripple its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which it views as existential threats.
- Israel justified the strike as a pre-emptive move to stop Iran from getting closer to building a nuclear weapon.
Key Takeaways:
Background Context:
- Previous covert operations, including assassinations of key Iranian nuclear figures and military bombings, demonstrate Israel’s long-standing intent to counter perceived threats from Iran.
About Uranium Enrichment: To increase the concentration of the isotope U-235 in uranium to desired levels for different uses.
Key facts about Uranium Enrichment: Need for Uranium Enrichment
Natural Uranium consists of three major isotopes:
- Uranium-238 (99.284% natural abundance)
- Uranium-235 (0.711%)
- Uranium-234 (0.005%)
- U-235 is the only nuclide existing in nature (in appreciable amount) that is fissile with thermal neutrons.
-  The production of nuclear energy in atomic reactors is from the ‘fission’ or splitting of the U-235 atoms.
- Since the natural Uranium does not have a high enough concentration of U-235, Uranium enrichment is needed to create an effective nuclear fuel.
- In Enriched Uranium, the percent composition of U- 235 is increased through the process of isotope separation.
Global Context:
- Iran has been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, raising fears of a potential nuclear weapons breakout capability.
- This has led to heightened tensions with countries like the U.S., Israel, and others.
Why 60% is Concerning:
- Technical Perspective: Enriching from 60% to 90% requires less effort than going from natural uranium to 60%.
- Time Factor: A country with uranium enriched to 60% can rapidly move to weapons-grade if it chooses to do so.
- Political Sensitivity: Stockpiling 60% enriched uranium is viewed as a red flag by the international community, especially under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework.
Changing Regional Dynamics:
- The geopolitical landscape shifted following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Israel’s focus turned towards a broader military campaign against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syrian forces, considered part of Iran’s influence network.
Regional and Diplomatic Impact Analysis:
Conclusion:
- Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is a culmination of strategic military actions shaped by regional dynamics and U.S.-Israeli collaboration.
- This incident reflects Israel’s deep-seated concerns about Iranian capabilities and the geopolitical shifts that have enabled a more aggressive military posture.
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