What was once a covert conflict waged through proxy groups, cyberattacks, and intelligence operations now threatens to become a full-scale state-to-state war . Understanding the factors behind this transformation—and its implications for regional stability—is more urgent than ever. The escalation has led many to ask: are we really on the brink of World War III? The situation erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a major air operation —codenamed Operation Rising Lion — targeting key Iranian nuclear, military, and intelligence facilities in Natanz, Tehran, and Fordow. For decades, Iran and Israel were locked in a shadow war , with Israel carrying out covert attacks and Iran relying on proxy militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen as its front line forces. Iran fired around 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after Israel started a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, where it is currently engaged in intense fighting. Hamas began this war on October 7, 2023, and embroiled Iran and its proxy and partner militias in a two-year conflict that badly undermined Iran ’s ability to deter Israel and set the stage for the ongoing Israeli air campaign. US and allies set to sanction Iran after its attack on Israel . Concerns rise over potential conflict escalation. Global leaders warn of broader conflict risks. Experts discuss escalating tensions and risks of unintentional conflicts. Iran launched a missile strike on Israel in response to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. President Trump blamed the Biden-Harris administration for worsening global tensions. President Biden focused on the crisis, promising support for Israel ' s defense. Iran vowed to respond, and despite warnings from US President Joe Biden, launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israel , the first direct confrontation with Israel after decades of. Given Hezbollah’s ties to Iran , the ongoing war in Gaza and the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran, the world remains braced for a much larger conflict. The ABC’s global affairs editor John Lyons has toured the region for the Four Corners program, getting rare access inside Iran .
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