Is Israel about to hit Iran? Should we care?

[OUwasp]

Iran has been hating on Israel for yrs, carrying on proxy wars, yada, yada. Israel has been crying wolf for years regarding Iran's nuclear ambition, vowing an Ayatollah bomb won't be allowed to exist.

Could it be their hate/hate relationship is finally coming to a head? What would an IDF action against the atomic sites of the Islamic Republic do to the already worrisome world economy?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-fir...trike-on-iran/

Israeli military to hold large-scale drill simulating widescale strike on Iran

During monthlong ‘Chariots of Fire’ exercise, air force will conduct maneuvers simulating attack on Iranian nuclear facilities; military ramps up list of wartime targets using AI

By EMANUEL FABIAN Today, 6:40 pm
Illustrative: an F-16I jet at an airbase. (Israel Defense Forces)

For the first time, the Israeli Air Force will practice for a widescale strike in Iran later this month, during the military’s major Chariots of Fire exercise, The Times of Israel has learned.

In light of growing uncertainty regarding a return by Iran to the 2015 nuclear deal, amid long-stalled negotiations with the United States, the Israel Defense Forces in the past year has ramped up its efforts to prepare a credible military threat against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

The large-scale air maneuvers, including a simulated attack on Iranian nuclear targets, will take place over the Mediterranean Sea during the fourth and final week of the monthlong exercise, starting May 29. The Chariots of Fire drill, which involves nearly all units of the IDF, has been focusing on training for fighting on Israel’s northern borders, including against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

AS GANTZ HEADS TO US, AND CENTCOM CHIEF ARRIVES IN ISRAELReport: In 1st, US refuelers to take part in major Israeli drill for strike on Iran

Collaboration involving Israeli fighter jets and American refuelers seen as message to Iran regarding potential for US assistance in an actual Israeli attack

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-706906


Iran is completing production, installation of 1,000 advanced centrifuges - Gantz

Tehran is at 20% enrichment level, preventing IAEA access • Gantz confirms drones shot down in February by US fighter jets near Erbil

By ANNA AHRONHEIM

Published: MAY 17, 2022 10:20
Updated: MAY 17, 2022 20:21


Members of a special IRGC force attend a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.
(photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Advertisement

Iran is currently trying to complete the production and installation of 1,000 advanced IR6 centrifuges, including at a new underground facility being built near Natanz, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Tuesday.

"Iran continues to accumulate irreversible knowledge and experience in the development, research, production and operation of advanced centrifuges,” Gantz said.

According to the defense minister, Tehran is a few weeks away from accumulating enough fissile material sufficient for one nuclear bomb.

[Middle Aged Man]

Iran has been hating on Israel for yrs, carrying on proxy wars, yada, yada. Israel has been crying wolf for years regarding Iran's nuclear ambition, vowing an Ayatollah bomb won't be allowed to exist.

Could it be their hate/hate relationship is finally coming to a head? What would an IDF action against the atomic sites of the Islamic Republic do to the already worrisome world economy?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-fir...trike-on-iran/

Israeli military to hold large-scale drill simulating widescale strike on Iran

During monthlong ‘Chariots of Fire’ exercise, air force will conduct maneuvers simulating attack on Iranian nuclear facilities; military ramps up list of wartime targets using AI

By EMANUEL FABIAN Today, 6:40 pm
Illustrative: an F-16I jet at an airbase. (Israel Defense Forces)

For the first time, the Israeli Air Force will practice for a widescale strike in Iran later this month, during the military’s major Chariots of Fire exercise, The Times of Israel has learned.

In light of growing uncertainty regarding a return by Iran to the 2015 nuclear deal, amid long-stalled negotiations with the United States, the Israel Defense Forces in the past year has ramped up its efforts to prepare a credible military threat against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

The large-scale air maneuvers, including a simulated attack on Iranian nuclear targets, will take place over the Mediterranean Sea during the fourth and final week of the monthlong exercise, starting May 29. The Chariots of Fire drill, which involves nearly all units of the IDF, has been focusing on training for fighting on Israel’s northern borders, including against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

AS GANTZ HEADS TO US, AND CENTCOM CHIEF ARRIVES IN ISRAELReport: In 1st, US refuelers to take part in major Israeli drill for strike on Iran

Collaboration involving Israeli fighter jets and American refuelers seen as message to Iran regarding potential for US assistance in an actual Israeli attack

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-706906


Iran is completing production, installation of 1,000 advanced centrifuges - Gantz

Tehran is at 20% enrichment level, preventing IAEA access • Gantz confirms drones shot down in February by US fighter jets near Erbil

By ANNA AHRONHEIM

Published: MAY 17, 2022 10:20
Updated: MAY 17, 2022 20:21


Members of a special IRGC force attend a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.
(photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Advertisement

Iran is currently trying to complete the production and installation of 1,000 advanced IR6 centrifuges, including at a new underground facility being built near Natanz, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Tuesday.

"Iran continues to accumulate irreversible knowledge and experience in the development, research, production and operation of advanced centrifuges,” Gantz said.

According to the defense minister, Tehran is a few weeks away from accumulating enough fissile material sufficient for one nuclear bomb.

We care, because whether we are involved or not, Iran will see us as involved and target us for retribution through terror attacks. I can't see how having our refueling tankers participate in the exercises helps us, especially announcing it.

[Mixer!]

Obligatory "In before Dome" comment.

[Meatgator]

What does Larry Fink think about this? Doesn’t turning Iran into a 10,000 degree glass parking lot impact climate change?

[Middle Aged Man]

What does Larry Fink think about this? Doesn’t turning Iran into a 10,000 degree glass parking lot impact climate change?

Maybe it they can somehow wire it up, they can use it as a solar charging system. Elon Musk will figure it out.

[Slytherin]

Two words. Fuck Iran.

[Slytherin]

One of my best friends is from Iraq. Him and his family own a couple okc restaurants. He says “fuck Iran” too.

[OUwasp]

Two words. Fuck Iran.

Gotta be careful lest this thread be consigned to another board (mods, do what you must, you have my permission). But I remember being puzzled by American impotence regarding Iran back in '79. My brother and I came up with an Iranian policy that seemed to fit the situation:
Get our people
Keep the money
Bomb the bastards

If the IDF Chariots of Fire exercise turns hot, our third directive will finally come to pass.

[SoonerHank]

I don’t see Israel attacking Iran unless Iran attacks first and they start a war. Israel will be proactive in their defense but I can’t see them launching an attack on Iran.

Iran would be foolish to start a war against Israel. There is no victory there and the cost for Iran would be high.

[OUwasp]

I don’t see Israel attacking Iran unless Iran attacks first and they start a war. Israel will be proactive in their defense but I can’t see them launching an attack on Iran.

Iran would be foolish to start a war against Israel. There is no victory there and the cost for Iran would be high.

Well, in a way, Iran has been at war with Israel for years now. Hamas and Hezbollah, and assorted other radicals, have been causing mayhem and death for Israel for quite some time. All funded and directed by Iran. Israel has tolerated these proxy wars for whatever reason.

Truly, in a state vs state war, Iran loses big. I don't see Iran openly hitting Israel either. But the reverse may happen. Israel has taken pre-emptive action in the past. Several times. Is this another case?

The unpredictable element (imo) is the Shiite faith of Iran. They believe their messiah, the 12th Mahdi, will return during a time of great distress. He shall restore order and justice. So will the Iranians be willing to provoke Israel to the point of motivating their 12th Mahdi to appear? Kinda like chumming for a Great White while swimming freely, and having faith in a rescue before the jaws close in.

[SoonerHank]

Well, in a way, Iran has been at war with Israel for years now. Hamas and Hezbollah, and assorted other radicals, have been causing mayhem and death for Israel for quite some time. All funded and directed by Iran. Israel has tolerated these proxy wars for whatever reason.

Truly, in a state vs state war, Iran loses big. I don't see Iran openly hitting Israel either. But the reverse may happen. Israel has taken pre-emptive action in the past. Several times. Is this another case?

The unpredictable element (imo) is the Shiite faith of Iran. They believe their messiah, the 12th Mahdi, will return during a time of great distress. He shall restore order and justice. So will the Iranians be willing to provoke Israel to the point of motivating their 12th Mahdi to appear? Kinda like chumming for a Great White while swimming freely, and having faith in a rescue before the jaws close in.

The conflict between Muslims and Jews has been going on forever. This is not new. It will go in forever. If Iran wants to attack Israel and wipe them out, they will lose. Neither side will be rid of the other. They will continue to fight against each other until the end of time.

[Stinger_1066]

Israel will do whatever they feel is necessary to protect their national security. Can't blame them for that.

They have attempted to influence the outcome of US elections.

They have spied on the US.

They have attacked US military assets that they felt were exposing their tactics.

If and when they feel an imminent threat from Iran, they'll attempt to neutralize it. More likely covertly than overtly.

Their fight is not our fight, but we will get dragged in. Christian prophesy, which drives many US political and military decisions, demands it as much as Muslim prophesy demands that Iran act against Israel.

[SoonerMagick]

They have spied on the US.

This is a fact. They were caught, and the spy sent to prison- Jonathan Pollard, a double agent for Israel.

[One Man Wolfpack]

The conflict between Muslims and Jews has been going on forever. This is not new. It will go in forever. If Iran wants to attack Israel and wipe them out, they will lose. Neither side will be rid of the other. They will continue to fight against each other until the end of time.

same with democracy vs commies. Story as old as time.

[Stinger_1066]

The gift of written language has proven to be very advantageous to those who developed it sooner than others.

[Me And My Butt]

Iran has been hating on Israel for yrs, carrying on proxy wars, yada, yada. Israel has been crying wolf for years regarding Iran's nuclear ambition, vowing an Ayatollah bomb won't be allowed to exist.

Could it be their hate/hate relationship is finally coming to a head? What would an IDF action against the atomic sites of the Islamic Republic do to the already worrisome world economy?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-fir...trike-on-iran/

Israeli military to hold large-scale drill simulating widescale strike on Iran

During monthlong ‘Chariots of Fire’ exercise, air force will conduct maneuvers simulating attack on Iranian nuclear facilities; military ramps up list of wartime targets using AI

By EMANUEL FABIAN Today, 6:40 pm
Illustrative: an F-16I jet at an airbase. (Israel Defense Forces)

For the first time, the Israeli Air Force will practice for a widescale strike in Iran later this month, during the military’s major Chariots of Fire exercise, The Times of Israel has learned.

In light of growing uncertainty regarding a return by Iran to the 2015 nuclear deal, amid long-stalled negotiations with the United States, the Israel Defense Forces in the past year has ramped up its efforts to prepare a credible military threat against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

The large-scale air maneuvers, including a simulated attack on Iranian nuclear targets, will take place over the Mediterranean Sea during the fourth and final week of the monthlong exercise, starting May 29. The Chariots of Fire drill, which involves nearly all units of the IDF, has been focusing on training for fighting on Israel’s northern borders, including against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

AS GANTZ HEADS TO US, AND CENTCOM CHIEF ARRIVES IN ISRAELReport: In 1st, US refuelers to take part in major Israeli drill for strike on Iran

Collaboration involving Israeli fighter jets and American refuelers seen as message to Iran regarding potential for US assistance in an actual Israeli attack

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report...m_medium=deskt op_site&utm_campaign=in-first-israeli-military-to-hold-drill-simulating-widescale-strike-on-iran

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-706906


Iran is completing production, installation of 1,000 advanced centrifuges - Gantz

Tehran is at 20% enrichment level, preventing IAEA access • Gantz confirms drones shot down in February by US fighter jets near Erbil

By ANNA AHRONHEIM

Published: MAY 17, 2022 10:20
Updated: MAY 17, 2022 20:21


Members of a special IRGC force attend a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.
(photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Advertisement

Iran is currently trying to complete the production and installation of 1,000 advanced IR6 centrifuges, including at a new underground facility being built near Natanz, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Tuesday.

"Iran continues to accumulate irreversible knowledge and experience in the development, research, production and operation of advanced centrifuges,” Gantz said.

According to the defense minister, Tehran is a few weeks away from accumulating enough fissile material sufficient for one nuclear bomb.

It’s always been my view that WWIII would
most likely start in the Middle East….by either Israel or Iran. The hateful rhetoric, complete lack of tolerance, direct and proxy actions by both are inexcusably irresponsible IMO (yes, you see a Jewish dude writing that). I feel like this has so much more potential to go full scale and possibly become a WW over the last 3 decades than anywhere else….And both sides are doing little to diffuse, rather they both promote their positions of defiance and intolerance.

[Sooner Schooner]

Israel can't start a war with Iran because there are two countries...Jordan and Iraq...between them. Neither Jordan nor Iraq would allow Israeli troops to pass through on their way to Tehran. The opposite is also true for Iran to start a war with Israel.

Neither Israel nor Iran have planes with enough range to attack the other. It's about 1,200 miles from Jerusalem to Tehran. Ferry range...that means with only external fuel and no armaments...of an F-15 is about 3,000 miles. 2,400 miles round trip is pushing it for an F-15..and that's with no bombs attached. So an air attack on anywhere but the western parts of Iran are out. And even if the F-15 had the range, those two countries previously mentioned aren't going to be too happy about it.

That leaves us with two alternatives...covert action, or a missile. The latter of the two should be very disconcerting to anyone wishing to avoid a world war. Israel has Jericho2 and 3 missiles which are an IRBM and ICBM respectively. Both could hit anywhere in Iran. But both also only carry nuclear warheads...as far as is known. Israel using a nuke on anyone, even a country as disliked in that region as Iran is, could, potentially, unite the Muslim world as they have never been before. Not to mention the reaction of large portions of the rest of the world to the use of a nuclear weapon. If Iran has nukes, it's doubtful they currently do, they will throw some back at Israel, and here we go to Megiddo. It's believed that Iran could, should they decided to, enrich enough uranium to make about 5 to 10 nukes in about a 2 months span. Israel isn't a large country, it wouldn't take many nukes to destroy most of it's population. That leaves covert action as the most palatable option. Israel is known for "no holds barred" actions when it comes to their safety and existence. What they could do, what they would do, from a covert angle is whatever they feel is necessary.

[SoonerMagick]

That leaves us with two alternatives...covert action, or a missile.

You're giving up on the flaming bag of dog shit this early on?

[cosmoxl]

Israel can't start a war with Iran because there are two countries...Jordan and Iraq...between them. Neither Jordan nor Iraq would allow Israeli troops to pass through on their way to Tehran. The opposite is also true for Iran to start a war with Israel.

Neither Israel nor Iran have planes with enough range to attack the other. It's about 1,200 miles from Jerusalem to Tehran. Ferry range...that means with only external fuel and no armaments...of an F-15 is about 3,000 miles. 2,400 miles round trip is pushing it for an F-15..and that's with no bombs attached. So an air attack on anywhere but the western parts of Iran are out. And even if the F-15 had the range, those two countries previously mentioned aren't going to be too happy about it.

That leaves us with two alternatives...covert action, or a missile. The latter of the two should be very disconcerting to anyone wishing to avoid a world war. Israel has Jericho2 and 3 missiles which are an IRBM and ICBM respectively. Both could hit anywhere in Iran. But both also only carry nuclear warheads...as far as is known. Israel using a nuke on anyone, even a country as disliked in that region as Iran is, could, potentially, unite the Muslim world as they have never been before. Not to mention the reaction of large portions of the rest of the world to the use of a nuclear weapon. If Iran has nukes, it's doubtful they currently do, they will throw some back at Israel, and here we go to Megiddo. It's believed that Iran could, should they decided to, enrich enough uranium to make about 5 to 10 nukes in about a 2 months span. Israel isn't a large country, it wouldn't take many nukes to destroy most of it's population. That leaves covert action as the most palatable option. Israel is known for "no holds barred" actions when it comes to their safety and existence. What they could do, what they would do, from a covert angle is whatever they feel is necessary.

Two thoughts. 1) What is the accuracy of Iran's missiles? 2) Does Israel have a good chance of shooting them down?

[SoonerMagick]

Two thoughts. 1) What is the accuracy of Iran's missiles? 2) Does Israel have a good chance of shooting them down?

1) Very accurate, as they've had capable help.
2) Probably not 3/4 of them. Look back to thirty years ago, and how many SCUD's were able to land in Tel Aviv and surrounding area? It's all about guidance chips now, and Iran has had some real technological help with that, (foreign help. enemy help)

It's clear that nuclear-armed Medium-Range missiles must never be allowed to be launched against Israel... pull out all the stops. Anyone in the Iranian missile or nuclear program is fair game- kill them if the time comes, Mossad.

[OUwasp]

1) Very accurate, as they've had capable help.
2) Probably not 3/4 of them. Look back to thirty years ago, and how many SCUD's were able to land in Tel Aviv and surrounding area? It's all about guidance chips now, and Iran has had some real technological help with that, (foreign help. enemy help)

It's clear that nuclear-armed Medium-Range missiles must never be allowed to be launched against Israel... pull out all the stops. Anyone in the Iranian missile or nuclear program is fair game- kill them if the time comes, Mossad.

Israel has been conducting their own shadow war vs Iran via sabotage and assassination. Google Israeli sabotage vs Iran. It's been ongoing for years, but usually doesn't make much headlines here in the west. For that matter, Iran tends to downplay fires and explosions at the nuclear research facilities...because if Israel was openly culpable, Iran would be forced to act overtly, and the IDF would resoundingly spank them.

So, despite Israel's efforts to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, it's been all systems go for the Ayatollah. At some point, Israel will decide it can wait no longer.

The Sunnis in Saudi Arabia have no love for the Shia of Iran. In fact, Iran has been waging another proxy war vs the Kingdom via Yemen. Could the weirdly unthinkable happen, and the Saudis offer the use of their airspace to deal a blow to the Iranian nuclear facilities?

Imagine the price of oil when Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz?

[Stinger_1066]

Israel can't start a war with Iran because there are two countries...Jordan and Iraq...between them. Neither Jordan nor Iraq would allow Israeli troops to pass through on their way to Tehran. The opposite is also true for Iran to start a war with Israel.

Neither Israel nor Iran have planes with enough range to attack the other. It's about 1,200 miles from Jerusalem to Tehran. Ferry range...that means with only external fuel and no armaments...of an F-15 is about 3,000 miles. 2,400 miles round trip is pushing it for an F-15..and that's with no bombs attached. So an air attack on anywhere but the western parts of Iran are out. And even if the F-15 had the range, those two countries previously mentioned aren't going to be too happy about it.

That leaves us with two alternatives...covert action, or a missile. The latter of the two should be very disconcerting to anyone wishing to avoid a world war. Israel has Jericho2 and 3 missiles which are an IRBM and ICBM respectively. Both could hit anywhere in Iran. But both also only carry nuclear warheads...as far as is known. Israel using a nuke on anyone, even a country as disliked in that region as Iran is, could, potentially, unite the Muslim world as they have never been before. Not to mention the reaction of large portions of the rest of the world to the use of a nuclear weapon. If Iran has nukes, it's doubtful they currently do, they will throw some back at Israel, and here we go to Megiddo. It's believed that Iran could, should they decided to, enrich enough uranium to make about 5 to 10 nukes in about a 2 months span. Israel isn't a large country, it wouldn't take many nukes to destroy most of it's population. That leaves covert action as the most palatable option. Israel is known for "no holds barred" actions when it comes to their safety and existence. What they could do, what they would do, from a covert angle is whatever they feel is necessary.

Some of you guys may be too young to remember Operation Opera in 1981 when the Israeli air force took out a nuclear reactor in Iraq using F-15s and F-16s.

Highly doubtful they could pull something like that off again, as Iran is a further distance than Iraq, and the Arab states have significantly improved radar and anti-aircraft technology.

It was pretty cool how they did it though.

The had to fly over both Jordanian and Saudi air space. The pilots spoke fluent Arabic and could mimic both Jordanian and Saudi accents, so air traffic controllers in both countries were fooled.

They also mimicked the signaling and formations used by the Jordanian and Saudi air forces.

[Sooner Schooner]

Two thoughts. 1) What is the accuracy of Iran's missiles? 2) Does Israel have a good chance of shooting them down?

CEP of the Shahabs is somewhere around 50 meters, or less. That's more than enough to hit a city.

Could they shoot one down? Maybe, maybe not. One thing though, the way the US and Russia build their nuke warheads, they don't arm themselves until the last 30 to 90 seconds of flight. Basically once the thing has about to reenter, or has reentered, the atmosphere. It was supposed to ensure the warhead doesn't go off over friendly territory. Let's assume Iran does the same thing...which is debatable...that means Israel would have to take the warhead out when it's over Iraq. Their Arrow system's range is about 100 miles. Nowhere near far enough to take the warhead out before it arms itself. You also have to consider that even if you take the warhead out, you still have a mass of radioactive material that is going to come down somewhere. Scattering 5 to 10 pounds of uranium over Tel Aviv, or Haifa, is going to kill a lot of people.

[Sooner Schooner]

Israel has been conducting their own shadow war vs Iran via sabotage and assassination. Google Israeli sabotage vs Iran. It's been ongoing for years, but usually doesn't make much headlines here in the west. For that matter, Iran tends to downplay fires and explosions at the nuclear research facilities...because if Israel was openly culpable, Iran would be forced to act overtly, and the IDF would resoundingly spank them.

So, despite Israel's efforts to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, it's been all systems go for the Ayatollah. At some point, Israel will decide it can wait no longer.

The Sunnis in Saudi Arabia have no love for the Shia of Iran. In fact, Iran has been waging another proxy war vs the Kingdom via Yemen. Could the weirdly unthinkable happen, and the Saudis offer the use of their airspace to deal a blow to the Iranian nuclear facilities?

Imagine the price of oil when Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz?

That's always been an interesting conundrum in the Middle East. Not only do the Arab countries hate Iran because they are Shia, they are also hate Iran because Iranians are not Arabs...they are Persians. For decades the oil rich Gulf States helped fund the Iraqi military because Iraq was the bulwark between them and Iran. That's gone now because Saddam is gone.

[Stinger_1066]

That's always been an interesting conundrum in the Middle East. Not only do the Arab countries hate Iran because they are Shia, they are also hate Iran because Iranians are not Arabs...they are Persians. For decades the oil rich Gulf States helped fund the Iraqi military because Iraq was the bulwark between them and Iran. That's gone now because Saddam is gone.

That is something that many non Muslims don't understand.

The differences between Catholics and Protestants pale in comparison to the differences between Sunni and Shia.

And the difference between Persians and Arabs is also not well understood by Americans.

Keep in mind that Iraq is predominantly Shia. Saddam was a Sunni, and in the minority in his country. He was also very secular, aka, not religious except for appearance purposes.

Having said all that, the Sunnis are not going to overtly support Israel in a war with Iran.

In fact, I think they probably welcome an Iranian nuclear attack on Israel. That would make it easy for them to reclaim the Temple Mount while Israel is otherwise occupied. Then they will call for a cease fire, or possibly even strike Iran after they have control of the Temple Mount.