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. The world stands on the edge of catastrophe, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday, as Israel’s military campaign inside Iran intensifies and strikes on nuclear. Tensions between two Middle Eastern heavyweights have erupted into a full-fledged Israel ‑ Iran war 2025 . What’s happening now? In the latest twist, Israel ’s Operation Rising Lion unleashed a devastating wave of airstrikes on Iran ’s military and nuclear infrastructure—including the hardened Natanz enrichment complex—on June 13, 2025 . If a nuclear bomb were to detonate in 2025, the immediate humanitarian impact would be catastrophic . Israeli forces have already targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz nuclear facility, which is key to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. 2 days ago · The direct conflict between Iran and Israel severely impacts Afghanistan, which is struggling with fragile governance, economic crisis, and insecurity under Taliban rule. 3 days ago · What Israel ’s attack on Iran means for the future of war Blurring the line between preemptive and preventive strike risks sending the world into a state of perpetual war. Iran has been exerting pressure on Israel with the help of allies, like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis and Iraqi militias, avoiding a direct war with Israel. Israel has a history of striking nuclear sites in Iraq and Syria, but Iran poses a tougher and more sensitive challenge. On June 13, 2025 , Israel conducted a major operation against Iran . The anticipated attack targeted nuclear facilities, military sites, and regime infrastructure.
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