The threshold the Israeli authorities have set for the use of a nuclear weapon is dangerously low.

Israeli strategic thinking has long been shaped by the fear of an existential threat. Unlike most nuclear states, whose doctrines revolve around deterrence or competition with other nuclear powers, Israel’s security narrative is rooted in the belief that the country could face destruction if a war turns decisively against it. Israeli leaders have repeatedly framed regional conflicts — from the wars of 1967 and 1973 to present confrontations with Iran and armed groups in Gaza and Lebanon — as struggles for national survival. That mindset matters enormously when nuclear weapons are involved.

The United States attended India's International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026 training events, just days before attacking an unarmed Iranian warship that had also been in attendance.

India held their first MILAN event in 1995, and has since hosted additional events every two years. The event requires vessels be unarmed or carrying minimal munitions. The United States had also previously attended in 2022 and 2024.

The Iranian ship was attacked on March 4, less than a week after the conclusion of MILAN 2026 on February 26.

Having frequently attended these exercises, the United States likely knew the IRIS Dena was not carrying munitions as they torpedoed the returning Iranian vessel.