Israel’s motivation in attacking Iran if pretty clear, even if people forget just how far back it goes and how long Israel has been expected to live with the threat of a nuclear Iran:
Backed by the Iranian government, Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage for 444 days. This was in violation of international law regarding diplomatic immunity.
The Islamic Jihad Organization (not to be confused with the group Islamic Jihad), a precursor to Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, conducted a suicide bombing on the US Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American servicemen. This was part of Iran’s support for proxy groups targeting U.S. forces during the Lebanese Civil War. The US State Department designated Iran a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984.
The Islamic Jihad Organization, with Iranian backing, kidnapped and tortured CIA station chief William Buckley in Beirut, Lebanon. He was killed after 15 months in captivity. This was part of a series of hostage takings targeting US personnel.
Iran-backed Hezbollah Al-Hejaz carried out a truck bombing at the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. servicemen and injuring 498 others. The attack targeted U.S. military personnel stationed in the region.
Robert Levinson was kidnapped on Kish Island, Iran. Iran denied responsibility, but evidence suggests Iranian intelligence was involved.
EFPs, attributed to Iran’s Quds Force led by Qassem Soleimani, killed 196 U.S. troops and injured 861 between 2005 and 2011. It notes the sophistication of EFPs, requiring precise machining, and their use by Iranian-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) planned to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in Washington, D.C., using a bomb at a restaurant. The plot was foiled by U.S. authorities.
Iranian forces detained 10 U.S. Navy sailors after their boats drifted into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf. The sailors were released after 15 hours, but the incident was seen as a provocative act.
