Israel's 1981 Strike: Catalyst for Iraq's Nuclear Ambitions

Source: Israel bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 − it pushed program underground and spurred Saddam Hussein’s desire for nukes (2025-06-25)

Israel bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981, significantly impacting Iraq's nuclear program by forcing it underground. This attack also intensified Saddam Hussein's pursuit of nuclear weapons, shaping regional security dynamics. The bombing's repercussions extended beyond immediate destruction, influencing Iraq's strategic goals and fueling ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. The event remains a pivotal moment in the region's complex geopolitical landscape.

More recent coverage

• Ronald Reagan: From California Governor to Conservative Icon
• Soviet Leadership Transitions: Andropov and Chernenko
• Vietnam War: Path to De-escalation and Negotiation
• John F. Kennedy: Leader and Cold War Icon
• Global Perspectives Reshape WWII Timeline and Scope
• Iran's Ceasefire Deadline Passes Amid Rising Tensions