Iran-Israel Conflict Explodes

This direct confrontation marks a significant departure from the decades-long "shadow war," where hostilities were primarily conducted through proxy forces. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the two nations have been locked in a proxy conflict, with Iran supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israel, in turn, has engaged in airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Syria and has been accused of assassinating Iranian nuclear scientists. The recent escalation follows a period of heightened tensions, including a 12-day war in June 2025 that began with Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. That conflict also involved direct military exchanges and assassinations of high-level military leaders. The current strikes have hit multiple cities, including the capital Tehran and locations near major nuclear facilities like Isfahan. Global reactions have been mixed, with Russia and China condemning the U.S. and Israeli strikes, while other nations have called for de-escalation. The conflict's expansion across borders is a primary concern, with Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting not only Israel but also U.S. bases in several Gulf states. This has led to disruptions in air travel and fears of a wider regional war. The conflict also raises significant concerns about Iran's nuclear program. While Iran has consistently stated its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, it has been enriching uranium to levels near weapons-grade. Previous Israeli and U.S. strikes in 2025 targeted key nuclear sites like Fordow and Natanz, and while Iran's program was set back, it is believed to retain crucial technical knowledge. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been unable to conduct inspections in Iran for some time.