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, causing the country's nuclear program to go underground. This attack not only delayed Iraq's nuclear development but also intensified Saddam Hussein's pursuit of nuclear weapons. The bombing had lasting regional implications, fueling Iraq's desire for nuclear arms and shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics. The event remains a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear proliferation and regional security.