Israel’s military campaign in Iran has already yielded “enormous achievements,” according to experts monitoring the conflict, with many asserting the operation represents the culmination of years of preparation, battlefield innovation, and intelligence development.
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a leading authority on U.S. policy toward Iran, characterized Israel’s progress as “a resounding military triumph.”
“They have effectively dominated the Iranian military,” Dubowitz informed Digital. “They’ve eliminated numerous senior military commanders, the Iranian Air Force, and a significant percentage of missile launchers and ballistic stockpiles.”
Nevertheless, Iran’s retaliatory actions are inflicting damage. On Thursday morning, an Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and targeted several major cities, resulting in hundreds of injuries. Despite these substantial costs, military analysts insist that the IDF continues to hold the strategic and tactical advantage.
Drawing a comparison to the Six-Day War, Dubowitz remarked, “It is beginning to resemble 1967, when the Israelis decimated five Arab armies. It might take longer than six days, but they are certainly on a similar trajectory.”
Hilla Hadad-Chmelnik, a strategist at the “Mind Israel” think tank and former CEO of the Ministry of Innovation, noted that this success is not accidental—it is the outcome of “years of preparation in every aspect.” From developing long-range strike capabilities to establishing an unparalleled intelligence apparatus and adapting operational doctrines from Gaza and , she stated that the IDF’s current dominance is a product of both innovation and experience.
“This is not a campaign someone decided upon six months ago,” she affirmed. “This represents years of work—in intelligence, in weapons development, and in defensive and offensive operations. The methods we tested against Hezbollah—quickly and precisely striking command chains—were studied, refined, and applied here.”
She highlighted lessons learned in Gaza, particularly the importance of swiftly identifying and eliminating rocket launchers before strikes commence. “We discovered through intense fighting that launchers must be neutralized, not just missiles intercepted. And that doctrine—developed in Gaza where targets are five minutes away—has now been adapted for Iran, with all the inherent complexity.”
Hadad-Chmelnik emphasized that Israel’s command of Iranian skies is “stunning… the Air Force is flying over Iran day after day. Drones are maintaining air superiority.”
Even with the heavy toll taken when Iranian missiles penetrate defenses, such as the attack against Soroka hospital on Thursday, she credited the nation’s defensive systems, like Iron Dome and David’s Sling—systems she helped develop—which intercepted missile salvos with over 90% effectiveness, even amidst unprecedented barrages. “This is a conflict of a different magnitude, yet the systems are holding strong,” she observed.
Dubowitz acknowledged that despite significant gains, one crucial target remains: the , buried under a mountain at a Revolutionary Guard base.
“Israel has devastated Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. They’ve eliminated 14 senior nuclear scientists—the ‘Oppenheimers’ of Iran’s program,” he asserted. “But Fordow remains. And if it’s left standing, Iran can rebuild.”
While Dubowitz clarified that he is not explicitly advocating for U.S. military strikes, he stated that “President Trump must ensure Fordow is completely dismantled—whether through a diplomatic agreement or, if Iran refuses, a targeted military intervention.”
He outlined three potential courses of action: “One, Iran commits to a genuine deal and the program is dismantled. Two, Trump strikes Fordow. Three, Trump strikes and then negotiates. But either way, it must conclude with Iran losing its nuclear weapons capability—not just temporarily, but permanently.”
Hadad-Chmelnik believes Israel’s success has created an opportunity for the United States.
“Thanks to the phenomenal achievements of the IDF, the situation is now very clear. If the U.S. were to join at this point, with Fordow as the main remaining target and most assets already degraded, it would not appear like getting pulled into a quagmire,” she said. “This is nothing like or Afghanistan. There’s an actual path to decisive success, and that can change the political calculus in Washington.”
Dubowitz added that Israel’s offensive struck not only military and nuclear targets but also Iran’s internal security infrastructure—including state media and the regime’s repressive elements. for that, he said, could open the door for future domestic unrest. “We cannot expect people to protest while missiles are falling. But if Israel continues targeting the regime’s tools of repression, space may emerge for Iranians to return to the streets.”
Dubowitz, who has spent two decades warning of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reflected on the moment with cautious optimism. “I am heartened to see the long arm of Israeli justice reach those responsible for such brutal aggression,” he stated.
“This may be a historic opportunity to truly end Iran’s nuclear threat, and perhaps even to support the Iranian people in reclaiming their future,” he added, “There have been incredible achievements, but if Fordow is left standing by President , then it could end up being a Pyrrhic victory.”