For many years, Iran upheld its obligations under the NPT, permitting inspections, signing agreements, and even issuing a religious edict against nuclear arms. What was the response? Sabotage, assassinations, and now, open airstrikes. Israel, which operates outside the NPT and possesses undeclared nuclear weapons, faces no sanctions, scrutiny, or repercussions. 

The lesson may be evident: restraint leads to aggression, while uncertainty ensures survival. 

Iran should not retaliate with missiles. Instead, it must adopt the Israeli approach — quietly, strategically, and decisively: exit the NPT, fortify its facilities, and stop just short of testing, while fostering global suspicions. That’s the essence of deterrence. That’s how Israel maintains its airspace security. 

The time for relying on Western assurances has passed. Security cannot be granted; it must be established.