Twelve-Day War

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. joined with Operation Midnight Hammer — B-2 bombers struck nuclear sites with bunker-busters. Iran retaliated with 14 missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, causing no casualties.

Ceasefire announced June 24. Iran's nuclear program was set back an estimated two years. Oil spiked briefly before retreating as markets concluded supply disruption would be contained.

Israel's aim was clear: eliminate the nuclear threat. America's involvement raised questions — was this nonproliferation enforcement or a geopolitical reset for Gulf dominance?

The war demonstrated the post-1945 norm against striking sovereign nuclear programs had collapsed. If military action becomes default nonproliferation policy, aspiring states will accelerate programs rather than negotiate. Is military action the only remaining mechanism?