-
Ogier derails title tilt in wild crash at Central European Rally
-
Slot and Amorim under scrutiny in Liverpool-Man Utd showdown
-
UN aid chief foresees 'massive job' ahead on tour of ruined Gaza
-
Huge crowds as body of revered Kenya politician Odinga heads home
-
First New Zealand-England T20 washed out in Christchurch
-
Alleged victim's family hails renunciation of Prince Andrew's royal title
-
Pope Leo visits 'school of peace' sailing the Mediterranean
-
Air China flight safely diverted to Shanghai after battery fire in cabin
-
Nobel laureate Chen Ning Yang dies aged 103: Chinese state media
-
Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius scratched after vet scans
-
Pakistan to hold talks with Afghanistan in Qatar after latest strikes
-
Thailand ex-PM Abhisit reinstated as conservative party leader
-
Chaos feared as body of revered Kenya politician Odinga heads home
-
Star sprinter Ka Ying Rising wins world's richest turf race, The Everest
-
Controversial Thai ex-PM reinstated as conservative party leader
-
Monuments, monkeys and McIlroy: India's 'special' golf course
-
'No Kings' rallies across US to gauge anti-Trump outrage
-
Brit Gala? British Museum to host first fundraising ball
-
High-risk memorial for Kenya politician Odinga after days of chaos
-
Bezzecchi overcomes seagull hit to win Australian MotoGP sprint race
-
Anti-Trump protesters fire arrows at Colombian police, injuring four
-
Sho-time as dazzling Ohtani powers Dodgers into World Series
-
China and US agree to fresh trade talks
-
Chinese leaders to hash out strategic blueprint at key meeting
-
Mariners one win away from World Series after Suarez grand slam beats Jays
-
Brewing crisis: java-loving NY confronts soaring coffee costs
-
Exiled dissident encourages Cubans to stay and fight
-
US court bars NSO Group from installing spyware on WhatsApp
-
Quartararo grabs pole at Australian MotoGP as Alex Marquez crashes
-
64 South Koreans held in Cambodia return home under arrest
-
Biden's DEA Wall of Marijuana Dishonor: The DEA Pattern of Corruption Is Now Impossible to Deny, President Trump Fixing
-
Upbeat Norris hopes for strong race
-
Verstappen takes pole for sprint race, keeps pressure on McLaren duo
-
Hamas gives Israel another hostage body, vows to return rest
-
John Bolton: national security hawk turned Trump foe
-
New Red Bull boss says team can power Verstappen to fifth title
-
Trump tells Zelensky to 'make a deal' as Tomahawk plea misfires
-
Loss of title caps downfall of UK's Prince Andrew
-
Argentine peso drops against dollar despite US backing
-
Trump says Venezuela's Maduro offered 'everything' to ease tensions
-
US stocks bounce back as Trump softens China trade tone
-
PSG fightback denies Strasbourg in six-goal Ligue 1 thriller
-
Cowboys' Diggs in concussion protocol after home accident
-
Teen Nakai leads favourite Sakamoto at Grand Prix de France
-
UK's disgraced Prince Andrew gives up royal title
-
Hamas to give Israel another hostage body, vows to return rest
-
Norris shunt repercussions 'minor', says McLaren boss
-
Norris on top in sizzling Austin GP practice
-
In Argentine farm town, Milei mania fizzles
-
Trump says too soon for Tomahawks in talks with Zelensky
Israel-Iran: USA Strikes
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a critical juncture, with the United States becoming increasingly embroiled in the hostilities. Recent military actions, including U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, have escalated tensions in the Middle East, drawing global attention and concern. This article explores the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, the role of the United States, and the potential implications for international security.
Background of the Conflict
The Israel-Iran conflict has deep historical roots, but recent events have brought the tensions to a boiling point. Israel has long viewed Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat, while Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes. The conflict intensified in June 2025, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons, a goal Israel has pursued with increasing urgency.
In response, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Israeli targets, including Ben Gurion Airport and military command centres. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also deployed advanced missiles, such as the Kheibar Shekan, in what it described as retaliatory measures. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 430 deaths reported in Iran and 24 in Israel, along with thousands of injuries on both sides.
U.S. Involvement: A Turning Point
The United States, a long-standing ally of Israel, initially maintained a cautious stance, focusing on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. However, on June 22, 2025, the U.S. military launched airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking a significant escalation in the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," as a "spectacular military success" and warned Iran of further strikes if Voiceit retaliated.
The U.S. strikes were carried out using B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. While Trump claimed that the sites were "completely and fully obliterated," Iranian officials downplayed the damage, stating that no contamination or radiation leaks had occurred. The strikes have raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional war, with fears that the conflict could spiral out of control.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community has reacted with alarm to the escalating conflict. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, warning that the situation could lead to "catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world." He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. Similarly, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, urged all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation.
Several countries, including China, Russia, and members of the Arab League, have condemned the U.S. and Israeli actions, calling them violations of international law. China’s official stance criticised the U.S. strikes as a "further step toward the abyss," while Oman, which had been mediating nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, described the attacks as a "serious violation of international law." Despite these condemnations, the U.S. and Israel have defended their actions as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have thus far failed. Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that the time for diplomacy has passed, and the country has the right to defend itself. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have indicated that they do not seek a full-scale war but are prepared to take further action if necessary. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides exchanging threats and preparing for potential further military engagements.
Iran's Response and Internal Dynamics
Iran’s leadership has vowed to retaliate against both Israel and the United States. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that the "punishment" of Israel will continue, and Iranian officials have hinted at targeting U.S. military assets in the region. Despite the external pressure, Iran’s nuclear agency has reported that its facilities remain operational, with no significant damage to its nuclear programme. However, the conflict has taken a toll on Iran’s civilian population, with hundreds of deaths and widespread disruption to daily life.
Internally, Iran faces growing unrest, as the conflict exacerbates economic hardships and fuels public discontent. Reports from Tehran indicate that many residents have fled the city to escape the violence, while others have taken to the streets in protest against the government’s handling of the crisis. The Iranian regime, already weakened by years of sanctions and internal dissent, now faces the dual challenge of managing a war with Israel and the U.S. while maintaining domestic stability.
The Role of Regional Actors
The conflict has also drawn in other regional actors, though their involvement has been limited. Iran’s proxy forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have remained largely silent, offering little concrete support to Tehran. This lack of backing has left Iran increasingly isolated, as its allies face their own domestic pressures and are reluctant to engage in a wider conflict. Israel, on the other hand, has received tacit support from several Gulf states, which view Iran as a common adversary.
The United States’ decision to intervene militarily has further complicated the regional dynamics. While some Arab nations have privately welcomed the strikes as a blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, others have publicly condemned the U.S. actions, fearing that the conflict could destabilise the entire Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation depending on Iran’s next moves.
Final Conclusion
The Israel-Iran conflict, now involving the United States, represents one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Middle East in decades. With both sides entrenched in their positions and the international community divided on how to respond, the risk of a broader war looms large. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevail or if the region will descend into further violence. As the world watches, the stakes for global security have never been higher.

Donald J. Trump: America is back

Meta's announcements and digital services?

Hungary: China's CATL battery factory

Alice Weidel: AfD Chancellor Candidate 2025

Russia: Is Putin's time nearly up?

China, Trump, and the power of war?

Iran's Ayatollahs the next to Fall?

Who wins and who loses in Syria?

South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol shocks Nation

Dictator Putin threatens to destroy Kiev

Will Trump's deportations be profitable?
