Israel has inflicted unprecedented damage on Iran's elite - why now?

Israel's recent attack on Iran has caused significant damage to Iran's elite, including targeting key members of Iran's leadership, such as military chief of staff Hossein Salami and top nuclear scientists. This operation, resembling past strategies employed against Hezbollah in Lebanon, aims to cripple Iran's ability to respond with force. While major figures like Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were not targeted, the strikes have dealt a severe blow to Iran's top echelons, potentially prompting a stronger Iranian retaliation and further escalating tensions in the region.