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. 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. 3 days ago · Russia’s fearsome air defense systems , known as S-300s, proved useless and easily destroyed by Israel’s military systems , most of them provided by the United States. The vast imbalance in military power and intelligence capabilities heavily favors Israel over Iran . The Islamic Republic’s most advanced air defense systems (the Russian S-300s) were destroyed in earlier Israeli strikes. 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. All of these options would support Israel’s defense ; a U.S. Decision to pursue offensive operations is also an option. Whatever the case, each of these efforts should be considered not in isolation, but as part of an overall strategy to block all of Iran’s paths to a weapon and prevent the current conflict from expanding. Israel ' s widespread airstrikes on Iran effectively damaged the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which officials said was a primary goal. The strikes hit over 100 targets,. Aside from a potentially game-changing American intervention that shapes the fate of Iran’s nuclear program, two factors will help decide the length of the Israel - Iran war: Israel’s reserve. The direct conflict between Israel and Iran placed Israel in a unique position in the regional struggle, as Israel demonstrates its military capabilities against Iran in the eyes of the entire Middle East, which is divided between the Iranian axis and the opposing Sunni-Arab bloc.
Iran's Nuclear Threat: Are Sanctions Working?
The Economic Impact: How Iran's Missile Attack Will Affect the World
The Iran vs Israel Timeline: Preparing for Potential Future Conflicts