Israel’s unprecedented attacks on Iran had at their core an elusive and high-risk goal: eradicating the country’s controversial nuclear program.

Israel’s sweeping attack across Iran struck at the heart of Tehran’s nuclear program, delivering a blow to the country’s ability to enrich uranium and potentially setting its nuclear ambitions back by months or years.

The two powers have been exchanging barrages since Israel attacked Iran and killed many of the country’s top military leaders and scientists.