Tensions between Israel and Iran

In June 2025, tensions between Israel and Iran significantly escalated when the countries initiated direct military conflict after years of covert operations and proxy wars. Israel struck Iran’s nuclear and military facilities with drones and fighter jets, a large-scale assault on several sites across the country. Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones targeting Israeli military bases, hospitals, and science institutions. These attacks marked a major climax in the decades-long animosity between Iran and Israel, a drastic transition from indirect proxy conflicts to openly targeting one another on their own soil. On June 22, President Donald Trump initiated a complex military airstrike that destroyed three of Iran’s significant nuclear facilities, thrusting the United States into the spotlight of the conflict on the global stage. International leaders now scramble to contain the quickly growing crisis, and many individuals fear that the violence could escalate into a broader regional war, destabilize international oil markets, and threaten civilians with total war tactics. 

June 13, 2025, marked the beginning of a turning point in the Israel-Iran conflict. On this day, in what officials have dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” Israel targeted over 100 sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israel’s Mossad agents established a hidden drone base with the intention to disrupt Iranian air defense and missile capabilities, increasing the success of Israel’s airstrikes and diminishing Iran’s retaliatory abilities. The explosive drones launched targeted over 100 air defense and nuclear sites deep inside Iranian territory, including facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and near the Khondab heavy water reactor. The strikes marked the most aggressive use of Israeli air power in Iran to date. Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran saw serious civil aviation interruption when explosions struck near the airport, closing Tehran’s airspace for several hours, and the state broadcaster complex in Tehran was struck amidst broader attacks, affecting communications. Iran retaliated by launching over 350 long-range and high-precision drones, which struck across central and northern Israel. Civilian infrastructure was hit, including the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, in which researchers evacuated after a direct hit damaged significant laboratories. Another missile hit Soroka Medical Center, injuring dozens and damaging the hospital’s emergency wing. Israel’s Iron Dome and its defense systems successfully intercepted a large portion of the incoming projectiles, but several penetrated air defenses. The missiles triggered air raid sirens across the country, forcing thousands of civilians into bomb shelters. This latest wave of violence is only a recent part in a decades-long rivalry shaped by ideology and fears, and tensions have been building since the 1970s. 

 It is important to look back at the complex and often covert history between Israel and Iran to understand how the relationship between the countries intensified. Before the late 1970s, Iran had moderately diplomatic relations with Israel under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The countries shared common geographical interests and maintained a mutualistic relationship. Israel looked to Iran to establish an alliance with a non-Arab entity in the case of hostile encounters with Arab states, and Iran was one of the largest buyers of Israel’s weaponry. These diplomatic relations, however, were dramatically influenced by the Islamic Revolution in 1979, in which the Pahlavi Dynasty was overthrown and Khomeini was established as the hard-line theocratic ruler. Within days, the new government completely severed diplomatic ties with Israel, calling for its destruction and viewing it as an opposition to Islam. Iran began to support militant groups that oppose Israel, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, and other Palestinian organizations. As a result of the increasing power of these anti-Israel groups, the two countries fought a “shadow war” marked by cyberattacks, proxy battles in countries like Syria and Lebanon, and targeted assassinations of scientists and generals. Iran formed part of its political identity and influence in the Middle East based on opposing Israel, while Israel’s leaders viewed Iranian support for armed groups and nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. International powers such as the United States, the EU, and China attempted to reduce tensions with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015, a deal that aimed to ensure that Iran’s nuclear usage remained peaceful. However, Israel refused to support the agreement out of fear that the plan was unable to go far enough to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power, and the plan was unsuccessful in reducing distrust. As both nations continued to grow their military capabilities and influence, the likelihood of direct confrontation grew as well, until it finally exploded into open conflict in 2025. 

In the aftermath of the recent attacks, many world leaders have called for immediate de-escalation to avoid a regional war. However, on June 21, President Donald Trump escalated American involvement in the region by launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with bunker-buster bombs. Trump considered the attacks to be a “warning” to Iran that would slow Iran’s nuclear progress. The bold military move garnered mixed reactions. Republicans generally supported Trump’s show of force, while democrats and international officials raised questions about the move’s constitutionality, as it was done without congressional approval. The attack paused Israeli strikes temporarily, and President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel two days after the United States military move. Since then, the ceasefire has appeared to hold for the past couple of days. Regarding the outcome of the United States' attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, a U.S. intelligence report issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency suggests that the attacks only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. This statement was rejected by the White House, calling it “flat-out wrong” and arguing that the facilities were completely obliterated and would require a long period of reconstruction. Beyond the United States and its growing involvement in the conflict, other global powers including the UN and EU are calling for restraint, fearing that a misstep could trigger further escalation and far-reaching consequences. 

As missiles continue to fall, the Israel-Iran threat is no longer a distant issue displayed on the news. The crisis is dangerous and fast-moving, with global implications. The path forward remains uncertain. Some experts fear the fighting could escalate into a broader, regional war, while others claim that behind-the-scenes diplomacy can prevent further violence. Regardless of where we live, young people have a role to play. We must stay informed, question the news, and keep in mind that behind every act of violence are ordinary people caught in the crossfire. In a time of rising division, particularly in the United States, awareness and empathy are essential. Understanding the consequences of conflict and addressing the complexity behind us allows us to become more thoughtful members of society, not just observers. As we wait for the conflict to develop further, we owe it to each other to pay attention with open minds and hearts. 

Sources

ProfilePage, et al. “Israel’s Attack on Iran Was Years in the Making. How Did They Get Here?” AP News, AP News, 13 June 2025, apnews.com/article/israel-iran-nuclear-netanyahu-hezbollah-hamas-houthis-0e5ae5a36fe89f4df753f049be96322d. 

Nakhoul, Samia. “Israel’s Airstrikes Aim to Break Foundations of Khamenei’s Rule in Iran | Reuters.” Israel’s Airstrikes Aim to Break Foundations of Khamenei’s Rule in Iran, www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-airstrikes-aim-break-foundations-khameneis-rule-iran-2025-06-19/. Accessed 11 July 2025. 

“Israel’s Attack Has Exposed Iran’s Lack of Firepower.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 June 2025, www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/19/israels-attack-has-exposed-irans-lack-of-firepower-but-conflict-could-yet-turn-in-tehrans-favour?utm_source=chatgpt.com. 

Balmer, Crispian. “Israel’s Attacks on Iran Hint at a Bigger Ambition: Regime Change | Reuters.” Israel’s Attacks on Iran Hint at a Bigger Ambition: Regime Change, www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-attacks-iran-hint-bigger-goal-regime-change-2025-06-14/. Accessed 11 July 2025.