Iran , under its supreme leader and the Revolutionary Guard, has long relied on a different form of military adventurism— proxy wars in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and to some extent in Palestine. 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 . Tensions in West Asia have taken a dangerous turn following Israel 's attacks on Iran 's nuclear and military bases on June 13, 2025. The US, an Israel ally, also attacked Iran 's nuclear facilities on June 21, deepening fears of a nuclear war and concerns about a global energy 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 facilities threaten to trigger a catastrophe. The potential for a direct Israel - Iran war raises alarms worldwide . The repercussions would extend beyond the immediate region, affecting diplomatic ties, economic stability, and energy security on a global scale. The move, experts have said, could push Iran to retaliate against American military bases or allies across the Middle East, or to activate proxy forces, like the Houthis in Yemen, to snarl trade. Israel’s April 2024 strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus marked a dramatic crossing of traditional red lines. In an unprecedented move, Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks directly from its territory—something it had never done before. Following Israel’s strikes on Iran on 13 June , and the subsequent sequence of retaliation and counter retaliation, fears are rising that the conflict could escalate.
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