Former IDF official claims Israel’s attacks have weakened Iranian influence in the region

Israel’s proactive strike on Iran not only represented a significant moment for the 77-year-old nation but also a crucial juncture for the Middle East. A former IDF spokesperson highlighted Israel’s focused objective in the midst of the Gaza conflict: preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF Spokesperson and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), emphasized Israel’s efforts to eliminate a perceived existential danger. Conricus, also a co-founder of “BottomLine Media,” emphasized Israel’s determination regarding the matter.

In the early hours of Friday, Israel executed a series of airstrikes and clandestine operations to dismantle Iranian infrastructure and target senior officials. The IDF confirmed the elimination of over 20 Iranian leaders, which included the Intelligence Directorate’s chief and the commander of Iran’s missile arsenal.

Iranian flags fly as fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot rise, following Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on June 15, 2025.  (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

Iran’s nuclear program has been the subject of policy debates and a source of regional tension for decades, as many Arab nations quietly oppose the regime. Following Israel’s attacks, several countries, including France and the U.K., reaffirmed their opposition to Tehran gaining a nuclear weapon, even while criticizing Jerusalem for its operation.

“Many countries behind the scenes are very positive and cheering on Israel and even sending messages of support and wishing us the best of luck against the Iranians because it would suit their strategic goals, and they’re happy that someone is standing up to the regional bully, which is Iran,” Conricus said.

The former IDF spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Israel dealt a significant blow to Iranian deterrence in the Middle East, which could change how other countries in the region respond to Tehran’s demands.

A building stands damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025.  (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

“Before you know, 48 hours ago, I think if the Iranians threatened people then the level of fear and deterrence would have been reasonably high. Today, after the very humiliating defeats that the Iranians have suffered at the hands of Mossad and Israeli Air Force and special forces, I’m quite confident that Iranian deterrence has taken quite a significant hit and that the countries who perhaps before were very much deterred by the Iranians probably are less so today,” Conricus told Fox News Digital. 

However, he noted that those countries still have an opportunity to assert themselves.

Conricus also believes that while “it’s too early in the game” to predict what this could mean for Iran domestically, there is a chance that the Iranian regime could be at stake. The country was already dealing with internal unrest prior to Israel’s attack as the population revolted against the regime’s quashing of basic rights and freedoms.