Experts suggest the U.S. has a strategic opportunity to leverage Iran's weakened position for a nuclear deal after Israel's targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

KANANASKIS, Alberta - European foreign ministers told their Iranian counterpart in a call on Monday to return to nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and refrain from escalating conflict with Israel, to which Iran's foreign minister said Tehran's priority was to confront Israel for now,

Israel launched one of its most extensive military operations in decades, striking Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases, and high-profile targets, including top generals and nuclear scientists. As casualties climb and the region stands on edge,

Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee member MK Boaz Bismuth tells Arutz Sheva: "This war is essential - any agreement is a lie that leads to a nuclear bomb and Israel’s destruction."

Both sides are aware a US intervention could be decisive, bringing bunker-busting ordnance, unavailable to the Israel Defense Forces, that are powerful enough to penetrate Fordow, a nuclear facility buried under a mountain.

The greatest risk the oil markets face is that Iran retaliates against Israel airstrikes by closing the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to global energy shipments.