-
Justice orders release of migrants deported to Costa Rica by Trump
-
Vietnam tycoon will not face death penalty over $27 bn fraud: lawyer
-
Vietnam abolishes death penalty for spying, anti-state activities
-
Over 80,000 people flee severe flooding in southwest China
-
AI fakes duel over Sara Duterte impeachment in Philippines
-
UK carbon emissions cut by half since 1990: experts
-
Delap off mark as Chelsea ease into Club World Cup last 16
-
UK to reintroduce nuclear weapon-capable aircraft under NATO
-
Upstart socialist stuns political veteran in NYC mayoral primary
-
China's premier warns global trade tensions 'intensifying'
-
Chelsea through to Club World Cup knockouts, Benfica beat Bayern
-
Cummins says Green 'long-term option' as Australia face new-look Windies
-
Chelsea east past Esperance and into Club World Cup last 16
-
Stocks rally as Iran-Israel ceasefire holds, oil claws back some losses
-
Trump whirlwind to test NATO summit unity
-
Israel claims victory as US intel says Iran nuclear sites not destroyed
-
Benfica beat Bayern at Club World Cup as Auckland City hold Boca
-
RFK Jr's medical panel to revisit debunked vaccine claims
-
Sean Combs trial: Takeaways from testimony
-
Messi and Miami relishing reunion with PSG and Enrique
-
At least 10 dead in Colombia landslide
-
Extreme heat, storms take toll at Club World Cup
-
France's Versailles unveils AI-powered talking statues
-
Child vaccine coverage faltering, threatening millions: study
-
Helium One Global Ltd Announces Independent CPR
-
Tocvan Drills Broadest Silver Zone Ever at 100% Controlled Gran Pilar Drills 42.7 meters of 41 g/t Silver From Surface, Including 10.7 meters of 136 g/t (4.4 oz) Silver
-
Evotec Joins NURTuRE-AKI Consortium to Gain Multi-Omics-Based Molecular Understanding of Acute Kidney Injury
-
ABB among TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies
-
Club World Cup winners team who handles weather best: Dortmund's Kovac
-
FIFA launch probe into Rudiger racism allegation
-
Trump rattles NATO allies as he descends on summit
-
Three things we learned from the first Test between England and India
-
Saint Laurent, Vuitton kick off Paris men's fashion week
-
Amateurs Auckland City hold Boca Juniors to Club World Cup draw
-
Neymar signs for six more months with Santos with an eye on World cup
-
Grok shows 'flaws' in fact-checking Israel-Iran war: study
-
Both sides in Sean Combs trial rest case, closing arguments next
-
Benfica beat Bayern to top group C
-
Trump plays deft hand with Iran-Israel ceasefire but doubts remain
-
England knew they could 'blow match apart' says Stokes after India triumph
-
Lyon appeal relegation to Ligue 2 by financial regulator
-
US intel says strikes did not destroy Iran nuclear program
-
Nearly half the US population face scorching heat wave
-
Israel's Netanyahu vows to block Iran 'nuclear weapon' as he declares victory
-
Saint Laurent kicks off Paris men's fashion week
-
Arbitrator finds NFL encouraged teams to cut veteran guarantees: reports
-
India, Poland, Hungary make spaceflight comeback with ISS mission
-
Piot, dropped by LIV Golf, to tee off at PGA Detroit event
-
US judge backs using copyrighted books to train AI
-
Russian strikes kill 19 in Ukraine region under pressure
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.

Mike Pence: U.S. will continue to support Ukraine

Activists organise "flotilla" with aid for Gaza

Holy souls on display at 2024 Venice Biennale

Brussels, my Love? EU-Market "sexy" for voters?

The great Cause: Biden-Harris 2024

UN: Tackling gender inequality crucial to climate crisis

Scientists: "Mini organs" from human stem cells

ICC demands arrest of Russian officers

Europe and its "big" goals for clean hydrogen

Putin and the murder of Alexei Navalny (47†)

Measles: UK authorities call for vaccinate children
