Israel, US simulated Iranian nuclear program strike during Biden admin

Joint drill focused on neutralizing Iranian nuclear facilities amid rising Middle East tensions.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

An Israeli official revealed on Sunday that the United States and Israel conducted a joint military exercise a year ago, simulating a direct attack on Iran’s nuclear program, the i24NEWS TV channel reported.

The admission offers new context to the dramatic US airstrikes launched this weekend against key Iranian nuclear sites.

According to a report published on Sunday by the ABC News TV channel, the joint exercise — held in March of last year under the Biden administration — was the first of its kind to rehearse an offensive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure explicitly.

The drill was reportedly designed to simulate attacks on major facilities such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were among the targets that US forces struck late Saturday night.

“We didn’t think a year ago that this would happen now,” the unnamed Israeli official told the outlet, describing the scope of the exercise as “unprecedented.”

The disclosure came just hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military had carried out a major operation targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

In a brief televised address, Trump announced what he called a “spectacular military success,” stating that “Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

The US strikes, which followed over a week of Israeli bombardments on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Israeli operations have already severely weakened Iran’s air defenses and claimed the lives of several top military and intelligence commanders, as well as nuclear scientists.

Trump warned Tehran against further retaliation, saying on his Truth Social platform that any response would be met with a “much stronger” American reaction.

“This cannot continue. There will be either peace or tragedy for Iran — far greater than what we’ve seen in the last eight days,” he said.

Despite public appearances suggesting hesitation or disagreement between Washington and Tel Aviv, Israeli sources now confirm that the US strike was coordinated closely with Israel.

According to those familiar with the matter, both governments intentionally presented a facade of disunity to mislead Iranian intelligence and preserve the element of surprise.

The revelation of the prior joint exercise highlights the depth of US-Israel strategic cooperation, suggesting that military options against Iran’s nuclear program have been on the table for some time, despite public diplomatic efforts.

As tensions in the region continue to rise, the international community remains on edge, watching closely for Iran’s next move in what is quickly becoming one of the most volatile confrontations in years.