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Record high 60 million viewers for Women's World Cup
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After two years of uncertainty, Israeli parents bury hostage son
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Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire holds after deadly border clashes
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Former boxing world champion Hatton found hanged at home, inquest told
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Police say Cambodia will deport 59 South Koreans linked to scam centres
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McIlroy dumps driver on India debut, Lowry leads after dog interruption
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Sinner unsure of participation in Davis Cup final eight
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Chaos as security forces fire on mourners for Kenyan politician Odinga
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Sumo stars make giant splash in London
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Pope slams 'collective failure' of world hunger affecting millions
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Putin says Russia a top oil producer, despite 'unfair' pressure
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Greece lawmakers back plan to allow 13-hour workday
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Lives at risk of 'exhausted' French couple held by Iran: families
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Stocks fluctuate as traders weigh China-US row, tech earnings
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French PM survives two confidence votes days after reappointment
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McIlroy lets 'big dog' sleep to shoot three-under on Delhi debut
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Impeached president confirms he fled Madagascar as new leader claims 'not a coup'
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Pope slams millions facing hunger worldwide as 'collective failure'
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Nestle to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide
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Prince Andrew accuser says he acted as if sex with her was 'birthright': memoir
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Fatal bear attacks in Japan hit record number
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One of world's oldest dinosaurs discovered in Argentina
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Kanchha Sherpa: Last link to Everest's first summit
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Markets mixed as traders weigh China-US row, rate cut hopes
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Kluivert out as coach after Indonesia fail to reach World Cup
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Last member of the first successful Everest expedition dies
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Markets mostly rise as traders weigh China-US row, rate cut hopes
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Impeached president confirms he fled Madagascar at the weekend
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One dead, dozens injured in Peru anti-crime protests
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Shake truck helps Californians prepare for massive quake
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Nepal ask FIFA to overturn Malaysia defeat because of player bans
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Fatal bear attacks hit new record in Japan
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Labuschagne slams another big century to send Ashes message
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Don't let the party stop: Berlin's fight against 'club death'
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Madagascar's protests fan anger against colonial France
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YouTube users trip over fake AI tributes to Charlie Kirk
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One year on, Italian migrant camps in Albania near-empty
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AI boom delivers record net profit for Taiwan's TSMC
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Nestle says to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide over next two years
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Rugby Championship shelved next year, back for 2027 in new calendar
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Indonesia, Kluivert part ways after World Cup dream ends
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Ceasefire halts deadly Afghanistan-Pakistan fighting
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Rare woman yakuza on path to redemption in Japan
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Ambitious new Monaco coach Pocognoli looking to make Van Gaal-style 'impact'
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Bloom-backed Hearts out to shatter Scottish football's 'glass ceiling'
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India's pollution refugees fleeing Delhi's toxic air
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Blue Jays bats come alive in 13-4 MLB playoff victory over Mariners
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Asia stocks rise as traders weigh China-US row, rate cut hopes
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Skating stars Malinin, Sakamoto begin quest for Olympic gold in France
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Uruguay legalizes euthanasia
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.

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