-
Eurovision 2026 will feature 35 countries: organisers
-
Cambodia says Thailand bombs province home to Angkor temples
-
US-Ukrainian talks resume in Berlin with territorial stakes unresolved
-
Small firms join charge to boost Europe's weapon supplies
-
Driver behind Liverpool football parade 'horror' warned of long jail term
-
German shipyard, rescued by the state, gets mega deal
-
Flash flood kills dozens in Morocco town
-
'We are angry': Louvre Museum closed as workers strike
-
Australia to toughen gun laws as it mourns deadly Bondi attack
-
Stocks diverge ahead of central bank calls, US data
-
Wales captain Morgan to join Gloucester
-
UK pop star Cliff Richard reveals prostate cancer treatment
-
Mariah Carey to headline Winter Olympics opening ceremony
-
Indonesia to revoke 22 forestry permits after deadly floods
-
Louvre Museum closed as workers strike
-
Spain fines Airbnb 64 mn euros for posting banned properties
-
Japan's only two pandas to be sent back to China
-
Zelensky, US envoys to push on with Ukraine talks in Berlin
-
Australia to toughen gun laws after deadly Bondi shootings
-
Lyon poised to bounce back after surprise Brisbane omission
-
Australia defends record on antisemitism after Bondi Beach attack
-
US police probe deaths of director Rob Reiner, wife as 'apparent homicide'
-
'Terrified' Sydney man misidentified as Bondi shooter
-
Cambodia says Thai air strikes hit home province of heritage temples
-
EU-Mercosur trade deal faces bumpy ride to finish line
-
Inside the mind of Tolkien illustrator John Howe
-
Mbeumo faces double Cameroon challenge at AFCON
-
Tongue replaces Atkinson in only England change for third Ashes Test
-
England's Brook vows to rein it in after 'shocking' Ashes shots
-
Bondi Beach gunmen had possible Islamic State links, says ABC
-
Lakers fend off Suns fightback, Hawks edge Sixers
-
Louvre trade unions to launch rolling strike
-
Far-right Kast wins Chile election landslide
-
Asian markets drop with Wall St as tech fears revive
-
North Korean leader's sister sports Chinese foldable phone
-
Iran's women bikers take the road despite legal, social obstacles
-
Civilians venture home after militia seizes DR Congo town
-
Countdown to disclosure: Epstein deadline tests US transparency
-
Desperate England looking for Ashes miracle in Adelaide
-
Far-right Kast wins Chile election in landslide
-
What we know about Australia's Bondi Beach attack
-
Witnesses tell of courage, panic in wake of Bondi Beach shootings
-
Chiefs out of playoffs after decade as Mahomes hurts knee
-
Chilean hard right victory stirs memories of dictatorship
-
Volunteers patrol Thai villages as artillery rains at Cambodia border
-
Stillwater Critical Minerals Announces Bought Deal LIFE Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of C$10 Million
-
Liberty Tax(R) Offering Free Consultations to Help Taxpayers Navigate OBBBA Changes Ahead of an Expected Record Refund Season
-
Irving Resources Reviews First Year of Work with JX Advanced Metals Corporation at Omu Project, Hokkaido, Japan
-
Classover Launches Robotics Division, Expanding Its AI-Driven Education Platform
-
Baluch Brothers Development Used AI to Enter Bishop Arts Two Years Before New York Times Feature
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.
Will Trump's deportations be profitable?
Ishiba's Plan to Change Power in Asia
EU: Online platforms to pay tax?
EU: Energy independence achieved!
EU: Record number of births!
EU: Military spending is on the rise!
Crisis: EU bicycle production drops!
EU: Foreign-controlled enterprises?
EU DECODED: Deforestation law’s trade-offs
Underwater Wi-Fi: European startups woo investors
Cultural year 2024: between Qatar and Morocco