The longstanding tensions between Iran and Israel have recently escalated into one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints in the Middle East. At The CNN World, we analyze the complex dynamics driving this conflict and its potential global repercussions. This isn’t just about a railway line; it’s a geopolitical artery intended to link Azerbaijan to Turkey via Armenian territory, a prospect Iran views with the same enthusiasm as a root canal. The unconfirmed reports of drones buzzing from Azerbaijan’s Caspian border and increased Israeli air traffic to Baku? The Israeli attack on Iran 's nuclear program and military assets and Iran 's responding missile strikes represent a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations. RAND experts provide insights into the strategic, diplomatic, and economic dimensions of this unfolding crisis. In addition, the contest between Israel ’s air defenses and Iran ’s launching capabilities will shape the remainder of the conflict. Ultimately, the crisis will continue until Israel achieves its war goals—degrading the regime’s ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities—and Iran stops its strikes, or until the United States intervenes. The current geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is fraught with tensions, particularly involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. This report undertakes a comprehensive analysis and simulation of a potential war involving these three nations, considering their military capabilities, alliances, and strategic objectives. The escalation between Israel and Iran has raised many important questions about a region already facing crises on multiple fronts. Since 1985, Iran and Israel have been engaged in a proxy conflict that has greatly affected the geopolitics of the Middle East. In 2025, hostility between Israel and Iran escalated into an armed military conflict. Israel carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets the day after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared that Iran had violated its obligations. As a result, the breakout of war between Israel and Iran last week was not surprising. Nor was the fact that Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites across a wide geographical area and that it targeted nuclear scientists and military leaders. Equally unsurprising was Iran ’s response: missiles launched at Israel , directed at military and strategic targets—some of which.
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