An Israeli Air Force pilot prepares for a Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 mission as he sits in an F-35I Adir, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 15, 2023. Red Flag is an opportunity to build on the success of JUNIPER OAK 23-2, JUNIPER FALCON, and additional combined exercises to enhance interoperability with Israel, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and improve capabilities in ways that enhance and promote regional stability and reinforce the United States’ enduring commitment to Israel’s security. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The US Air Force and the Israeli Air Force held a joint exercise on Tuesday “aimed to strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation” between the two allies, which likely served as a message to Iran amid speculation about a potential joint strike on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities.
Israel’s F-35i and F-15i fighters conducted military exercises with a U.S. B-52 bomber, aiming to “strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation between the forces while expanding connectivity and building integrated capabilities for a range of scenarios,” according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
“The cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM (United States Central Command) reflects the strategic alliance and close ties that continue to develop and strengthen between the militaries over time,” stated the IDF.
Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions on the Islamic Republic, consistently stating that “Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
The drill could be preparing the Israeli military for a potential joint strike with the US on Iran, especially after 77 retired U.S. military leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging support for Israel to “finish the job” against Iran and its terrorist proxies.
Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a warning that Iran had ramped up its production of near-weapons-grade uranium and warned that time is running out for diplomacy for new restrictions before Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon.
IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?
While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting Islamic law and the Qur’an’s inner meanings. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.
Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.
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