Israel’s unprecedented attacks on Iran had at their core an elusive and high-risk goal: eradicating the country’s controversial nuclear program. Israel targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities – Natanz,

Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.

to sustain public support he needs to show the military operation is a success and ensure it doesn’t become a protracted conflict, analysts say.