Iran-Israel Conflict Explodes
The conflict between Iran and Israel has dramatically escalated, with Iran launching a new wave of missile and drone attacks that sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters. In response, the U.S. and Israel have intensified their campaign, hitting Iranian missile bases and naval assets. U.S. intelligence reportedly helped pinpoint a meeting of Iranian leaders for an Israeli strike, raising the stakes for further retaliation.
This direct confrontation shatters decades of a "shadow war" between the two nations. The conflict has now moved from covert operations, such as targeted assassinations and cyberattacks, to overt, state-on-state military strikes. This escalation follows a 12-day war in June 2025, which also involved direct exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran. The U.S. and Israeli operation, dubbed "Epic Fury," involved a massive air campaign. U.S. Central Command confirmed the use of B-2 stealth bombers, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. For the first time, the U.S. deployed new low-cost "kamikaze" drones, a weapon modeled after Iran's own Shahed drones. The initial Israeli strikes were aimed at decapitating Iran's leadership. Iranian state media has confirmed the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, among other senior officials. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that 48 Iranian leaders were killed in the opening days of the operation. Iran's retaliation has been widespread, targeting not only Israel but also U.S. bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf. Hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched at targets in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. In Israel, an Iranian ballistic missile strike killed eight people in Beit Shemesh, and a synagogue was also hit. The attacks have severely disrupted the global economy, with oil prices spiking over 9%. Shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20% of global oil and LNG trade, has been nearly halted due to the conflict. This has led to the closure of major airports in the Middle East, causing significant disruptions to international travel. Israel's multi-layered air defense system, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems, has been heavily engaged. However, the sheer volume of the Iranian barrages has strained the system, and the stockpile of interceptor missiles is reportedly "dangerously low." During a previous 12-day conflict in June 2025, an 86% intercept rate still resulted in 36 ballistic missiles striking populated areas in Israel. The U.S. and Israel have also targeted Iran's naval capabilities. President Trump announced that nine Iranian naval ships, including a Jamaran-class corvette, have been sunk or destroyed. Satellite imagery has confirmed significant damage to Iran's Konarak naval base. International calls for de-escalation have been widespread, with the UN Security Council holding an emergency meeting. Russia and China have condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes, while European nations have urged a return to diplomacy. However, Iran has formally rejected diplomatic channels, signaling a commitment to continued retaliation.
