Israel is unlikely to target Iranian nuclear sites in response to Tehran's recent ballistic missile attack, according to a report from the New York Times.

Instead, Israeli officials are expected to focus on military bases, intelligence hubs, or leadership targets. While the possibility of targeting Iran's nuclear facilities remains on the table, it is anticipated to be a secondary consideration, contingent on how Iran responds to Israel’s actions.

Unnamed officials cited in the report express skepticism about Israel's ability to inflict significant damage on Iran's nuclear program. There are doubts among former and current Israeli officials as to whether an airstrike could set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions in any meaningful way. The Pentagon has reportedly considered whether this might be the opportune moment for Israel to strike, though it remains uncertain how effective such an action would be.

The article highlighted the concerns that a potential Israeli strike might push Iran’s nuclear program underground or, worse, accelerate its development. In light of this, Washington has advised against direct strikes on nuclear sites, instead advocating for alternative approaches such as sabotage, diplomacy, and sanctions to deal with Iran’s nuclear ambitions.