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The reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.

What Happens If Israel Attacks Iran’s Nuclear Facilities?

The conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate into a wider regional war if Israel targets Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to military expert Jennifer Parker.

Iran launched missiles at Israel on October 1st, with one Palestinian man reportedly killed in the attack. Most missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defence systems.

Military expert Jennifer Parker unpacks the conflict on The Briefing:

“If Israel, in responding to Iran’s missile attacks from early October, attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, then I think that regional war will happen,” Parker said.

While Iran does not have nuclear weapons, Parker told The Briefing there are concerns that they are on the path to achieving them.

“If they attack something else, which is what the US and others have encouraged them to do in response, then we might be able to avoid it,” she said.

The U.S has also supplied almost 100 forces to Israel in order to operate a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

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The THAAD system offers increased protection from ballistic missiles, which Parker said suggests the U.S. is preparing for further attacks from Iran.

Other developments this week include increasing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) being injured.

UNIFIL, which is attempting to negotiate peace between Israel and Lebanon, have been called to leave the region by Israel, with the United Nations rejecting the call.

The Australian government has upgraded its travel advice for the region due to the increasing conflict. Australians are being urged not to travel to Israel or Palestine, and Australians in Lebanon have been told to leave immediately.

By Zack Goutzoulas, a Master of Journalism student at the University of Melbourne.

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