-
Argentina's central bank intervenes to halt run on peso
-
Trump says doesn't want 'wasted' meeting with Putin
-
New JPMorgan skyscraper underlines Manhattan office comeback
-
PSG hit seven, Barcelona, Arsenal run riot as Champions League rains goals
-
Colombian court overturns ex-president Uribe's witness tampering conviction
-
WNBA players to receive 'big increase' in salaries: Silver
-
Dembele challenges PSG to 'keep it up' after Leverkusen thumping
-
Dembele scores on return as PSG hammer Leverkusen 7-2
-
Newcastle too good for 'little Magpie' Mourinho's Benfica
-
GM cuts EV production in Canada, cites Trump backpedal
-
Gyokeres ends goal drought in Arsenal thrashing of Atletico
-
Netflix shares sink as quarterly profit misses mark
-
Haaland scores again as Man City beat Villarreal
-
French ex-president Sarkozy enters prison after funding conviction
-
Louvre director faces grilling over $102 mn jewels heist
-
Trump and Putin's Budapest summit shelved
-
Liverpool disrupted by flight delay, Gravenberch out of Frankfurt trip
-
Djokovic pulls out of Paris Masters
-
OpenAI unveils search browser in challenge to Google
-
Lopez, Rashford inspire Barca rout of Olympiacos
-
Wolvaardt stars as South Africa crush Pakistan in rain-hit World Cup contest
-
Trump urged Ukraine to give up land in 'tense' talks: Kyiv source
-
Kids paid 'a huge price' for Covid measures: ex-UK PM Johnson
-
Louvre jewel heist valued at $102 mn: French prosecutor
-
Adidas hikes profit forecast as contains US tariff impact
-
Sundance film festival sets tributes to late co-founder Redford
-
Wife of Colombian killed in US strike says life taken unjustly
-
Dodging Trump's tariffs, Brazil's Embraer lands record orders
-
West Indies beat Bangladesh in super over after setting ODI spin record
-
GM shares soar on better tariff outlook and EV backpedal
-
Stocks rise on China-US hopes, gold and silver slump
-
What we know about the downfall of Prince Andrew
-
Colombia, US vow to improve anti-drug strategy amid Trump-Petro feud
-
Virginia Giuffre memoir goes on sale, piling pressure on Prince Andrew
-
Artificial insemination raises hopes for world's rarest big cat
-
Maresca says Chelsea's red-card run is teaching opportunity
-
Oasis guitars among music memorabilia worth £3 mn at UK auction
-
Stocks rise on China-US hopes, Japan's new PM lifts Tokyo
-
Jane Birkin's Hermes handbag up for auction in Abu Dhabi
-
Scotland rugby coach Townsend 'doesn't see conflicts' with Red Bull role
-
Pakistan-South Africa Test in balance after Maharaj takes seven
-
Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk to shake up board
-
Europe backs Trump's Ukraine peace push as Kremlin hedges on summit
-
Rees-Zammit back for Wales as Tandy names first squad
-
Maharaj takes seven wickets with South Africa-Pakistan Test in balance
-
Tunisian city on general strike over factory pollution
-
France intensifies hunt for Louvre raiders as museum security scrutinised
-
Hermes taps British designer to lead its menswear line
-
Conservative Takaichi named Japan's first woman PM
-
US Vice President Vance in Israel to shore up Gaza deal
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.

EU calls for tougher measures for a ‘tobacco-free generation’

This Summer experiences Romania first heatwave

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
