Has Israel’s objective in attacking Iran shifted – from de-nuclearisation to regime change?

On June 13, Israel launched an all-out war against Iran. It carried out what has been described as a ‘decapitation strike” – taking out much of the country’s military leadership, as well as top nuclear scientists. It also attacked the country’s nuclear facilities and air defences, and subsequently it’s economic infrastructure and oil installations as well. Iran responded with missile strikes of its own, targeting Tel Avi and Haifa among other sites and military targets. While more than 200 people have been killed in Iran, more than 20 casualties have been reported in Israel. The two sides have been trading steadily escalating strikes since, and now Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing hard for the US to join his war. How credible is Israel’s justification for starting the war – namely, that it wants to shut down Iran’s nuclear program – given that it is now speaking of regime change? How do the two sides stack up militarily if the conflict were to drag on? What are Iran’s options if the US joins the war?   Guest: Stanly Johny, The Hindu’s International Affairs Editor. Host: G. Sampath Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices