-
French IT giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary after row over ICE links
-
Iran's Khamenei likens protests to 'coup', warns of regional war
-
New Epstein accuser claims sexual encounter with ex-prince Andrew: report
-
Italy's extrovert Olympic icon Alberto Tomba insists he is 'shy guy'
-
Chloe Kim goes for unprecedented snowboard halfpipe Olympic treble
-
Pakistan combing for perpetrators after deadly separatist attacks
-
Israel partially reopens Gaza's Rafah crossing
-
Iran declares European armies 'terrorist groups' after IRGC designation
-
Snowstorm disrupts travel in southern US as blast of icy weather widens
-
Denmark's Andresen swoops to win Cadel Evans Road Race
-
Volkanovski beats Lopes in rematch to defend UFC featherweight title
-
Sea of colour as Malaysia's Hindus mark Thaipusam with piercings and prayer
-
Exiled Tibetans choose leaders for lost homeland
-
Afghan returnees in Bamiyan struggle despite new homes
-
Mired in economic trouble, Bangladesh pins hopes on election boost
-
Chinese cash in jewellery at automated gold recyclers as prices soar
-
Israel to partially reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing
-
'Quiet assassin' Rybakina targets world number one after Melbourne win
-
Deportation raids drive Minneapolis immigrant family into hiding
-
Nvidia boss insists 'huge' investment in OpenAI on track
-
'Immortal' Indian comics keep up with changing times
-
With Trump mum, last US-Russia nuclear pact set to end
-
In Sudan's old port of Suakin, dreams of a tourism revival
-
Narco violence dominates as Costa Rica votes for president
-
Snowstorm barrels into southern US as blast of icy weather widens
-
LA Olympic chief 'deeply regrets' flirty Maxwell emails in Epstein files
-
Rose powers to commanding six-shot lead at Torrey Pines
-
Remotify CEO Maria Sucgang Recognized as Tatler Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow
-
The Blessing of Good Fortune Is Here: Own Equity in a Lithium Mining Company - Elektros Inc. - at a Bottom-Basement Discount, Right Here, Right Now
-
Barca wasteful but beat Elche to extend Liga lead
-
Konate cut short compassionate leave to ease Liverpool injury crisis
-
Dodgers manager Roberts says Ohtani won't pitch in Classic
-
Arsenal stretch Premier League lead as Chelsea, Liverpool stage comebacks
-
Korda defies cold and wind to lead LPGA opener
-
New head of US mission in Venezuela arrives as ties warm
-
Barca triumph at Elche to extend Liga lead
-
Ekitike, Wirtz give Liverpool sight of bright future in Newcastle win
-
West Indies 'tick boxes' in shortened T20 against South Africa
-
Chelsea have something 'special' says Rosenior
-
De Zerbi 'ready to go to war' to solve Marseille troubles
-
Hornets hold off Wemby's Spurs for sixth NBA win in a row
-
Moyes blasts killjoy booking after Everton's late leveller
-
Ex-prince Andrew again caught up in Epstein scandal
-
Bayern held at Hamburg to open door for Dortmund
-
Atletico stumble to draw at Levante, Villarreal held
-
Chelsea stage impressive fightback to beat West Ham
-
Arsenal stretch Premier League lead, Chelsea fightback breaks Hammers' hearts
-
Napoli edge Fiorentina as injury crisis deepens
-
How Lego got swept up in US-Mexico trade frictions
-
UK rights campaigner Tatchell arrested at pro-Palestinian protest
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.
Orban and Putin's Shadow Deal
Ukraine's Drones Bleed Russia
California's Economy: Not Broken
North Korea Infiltrates Economy
Boomers: Selfish or Scapegoats?
Malaysia's Strategic Ascent
Trump’s 50% tariffs on europe
Reverse Apartheid" in SA?
NYALA Digital Asset AG
Trump’s Crackdown: Lives/Risk
Russia's Population Plummets