Iran asserts that its nuclear program is dedicated solely to civilian purposes.

However, Israel contends that the high levels of uranium enrichment achieved by Iran indicate the potential for developing nuclear weapons.

Israel has justified its recent attacks on Iranian targets by claiming that Tehran is nearing the capability to produce atomic bombs, a development it views as an existential threat due to Iran's declared intentions toward Israel.

Iranian officials maintain that the nuclear program is for peaceful use, but significant portions of the international community perceive underlying military intentions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot remarked that Iran's nuclear endeavors pose an "existential threat" to both Israel and Europe, while advocating for diplomatic solutions.

German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful stated that Berlin, Paris, and London are open to discussions with Tehran to alleviate tensions.

Iran’s nuclear program aims to establish nuclear power plants for electricity generation, in contrast to military programs focused on developing nuclear warheads.

While many experts and Western intelligence agencies agree that Iran is not currently producing nuclear weapons, concerns are rising due to Iran's uranium enrichment levels.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has amassed over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.

This level exceeds what is required for civilian energy production and is dangerously close to the enrichment needed for weapons-grade uranium.

Experts have indicated that once uranium is enriched to 90%, Iran's stockpile could be sufficient for approximately ten nuclear warheads.

Hans Jakob Schindler, a security expert, stated that Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment and intensified missile testing, which may reflect efforts to strengthen its bargaining position with the United States amidst stalled negotiations.

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Iran has achieved uranium enrichment of 90%, but analysts warn that given its current stocks and technical capabilities, it could reach that threshold relatively quickly.

Days before Israeli military action, Iran announced the operational commencement of another uranium enrichment facility.

However, it is noted that enriched uranium alone does not constitute a nuclear bomb.

For a functional weapon, Iran also needs to develop a deliverable warhead and missile systems.

Israeli military actions have included targeting nuclear facilities and key individuals involved in the nuclear program, resulting in significant damage to critical research and enrichment facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, according to satellite images and IAEA confirmations.

The precise extent of the damage and the time required for Iran to restore these sites remain uncertain.

Valter Posh, an expert on Iran, assessed the impact of these losses as serious, noting the importance of nuclear scientists who had contributed significantly to the program’s development.

In addition to nuclear installations, Israeli strikes have also targeted missile launch sites and fuel depots.

The origins of Iran's nuclear program date back to the 1950s when the then pro-Western government established a civilian nuclear initiative with U.S. assistance.

Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, international apprehensions grew that Iran could exploit its nuclear program for military objectives.

The revelation of highly enriched uranium at Natanz in 2002 led to widespread international sanctions.

In 2015, Iran reached a landmark nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the U.S. and other Western powers, imposing limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, in 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement, citing inadequacies in the timeline of restrictions and the exclusion of Iran’s ballistic missile program.

This led to the reinstatement of comprehensive U.S. sanctions.

As a countermeasure, Iran began to progressively abandon its adherence to the agreement, increasing uranium enrichment above the JCPOA's established maximum of 3.67%.

Efforts to renegotiate the terms of the agreement reemerged during Trump’s second term, with a meeting between U.S. and Iranian delegations scheduled in Oman recently cancelled due to the escalating situation.