The ultimate success of the U.S. and Israeli strikes, and so Trump's decision to intervene militarily, depends on how Iran chooses to react. Some analysts fear this action will accelerate Iranian efforts to build a nuclear weapon, with hardliners in Tehran now viewing it as an urgent priority.

Iran will continue to engage with the UN’s nuclear watchdog even after it announced the suspension of cooperation, the country’s top diplomat said, boosting hopes for oversight of its contested atomic program despite Israel’s attacks.

The decision means that international inspectors will not be able to oversee sites. Experts have warned that Tehran could revive plans to build a bomb.