The United States is the only country that can carry out a successful,
preventative military strike against Iran's nuclear program, according
to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a
well-regarded Washington-based think tank.
According to the
study, only the United States has the capacity to both deliver the
explosive payloads needed in the initial strike and effectively carry
out follow-up strikes based on continued near-real-time intelligence.
"The
US would be the only country that has the air power, support
capability, and mix of sea‐air forces in the Gulf to continue a
sustained campaign over a period of time and restrike after an initial
battle damage assessment [if] it is found that further strike sorties
are required," the report said.
"Israel does not have the
capability to carry out preventive strikes that could do more than delay
Iran’s efforts for a year or two," the report said, adding, "a strike
by Israel on Iran will give rise to regional instability and conflict as
well as terrorism. The regional security consequences will be
catastrophic."
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