With a potential Trump administration around the corner, Iran’s regime faces a pivotal decision: race to nuclear capability or face what they fear may be Trump’s wrath. Recent years have seen Iran's nuclear project advance rapidly. Since the October 7 attacks reshaped the Middle Eastern chessboard, Israel has intensified its actions against Iran’s assets but stopped short of targeting nuclear sites directly, likely heeding U.S. calls for restraint. Still, the threat looms closer than ever, and the stakes are dangerously high.

Iranian leaders now openly call for a bomb, with Revolutionary Guard mouthpieces suggesting it’s time to shift the nation's nuclear doctrine. Meanwhile, Israel’s intelligence-based approach could delay action until Iran enriches uranium to weapons-grade—a delay that may cost them in the long run. Both sides know this is no longer just a hypothetical standoff. Israel could preempt, and the U.S. may get drawn in, but Iranian leaders may feel the moment to act is now, fearing it’s their last window before tougher resistance.

Israel and Iran are at a critical juncture. As Tehran inches closer to the bomb, every misstep, every unchecked escalation, inches the region closer to the brink.