Explained: Why The Israel-Iran Conflict Just Escalated And What Role The US Is Playing
Last Updated:
With missiles flying, nuclear talks hanging by a thread, and top commanders possibly dead, this is the moment the Israel-Iran conflict stopped being shadow war, and turned real
Israel's June 13 airstrikes on Iranian soil have sharply escalated the long-running confrontation between the two arch-rivals. Codenamed Operation Rising Lion, the operation involved dozens of Israeli fighter jets targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, missile factories, and top military personnel. Explosions were reported in Tehran and at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
'We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.
Prime Minister Netanyahu:'Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival.This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." pic.twitter.com/3c8oF1GCYa
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 13, 2025
Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced a 'special situation' as some military officials there confirmed attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
According to Israel's Channel 12, Iran's Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and several senior nuclear scientists may have been killed, though Iran has not officially confirmed the casualties.
Why Now? What Triggered The Strike
The strike followed months of rising tensions. Israeli officials cited intelligence that Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear weapons. A senior Israeli military official told Reuters that Iran could make up to 15 bombs within days. Israeli leadership framed the operation as a necessary step to counter an existential threat amid stalled diplomacy.
Iran, for its part, has denied pursuing nuclear weapons and accused Israel of aggression and sabotage. It has built deep regional networks through proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas—groups Israel considers direct threats to its security.
The immediate context includes not just military build-up but also failed diplomacy: US-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for June 15 in Oman, were hanging by a thread before the airstrikes. It is now unclear whether they will go forward.
What Role Has The US Played?
Although a staunch Israeli ally, the United States has officially distanced itself from Operation Rising Lion. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel acted unilaterally, saying: 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region."
'Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel," he added.
Just a day before the Israeli strike, US President Donald Trump had said an Israeli strike on Iran 'could very well happen" but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution. The US withdrew non-essential personnel from its missions in Iraq, Jordan, and several Gulf countries. The State Department issued updated travel advisories, and military assets were repositioned across the region in anticipation of possible fallout.
However, Washington's role goes beyond military posture. While publicly disavowing military involvement, the US remains deeply invested in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and in managing the broader fallout from Israeli actions. Its long-standing diplomatic support for Israel, layered sanctions on Iran, and simultaneous pursuit of backchannel diplomacy highlight Washington's complex and often contradictory position in the conflict.
In short, the US is not a neutral bystander, it is a strategic actor balancing alliance, deterrence, and diplomacy.
What Is the Israel-Iran Conflict Really About?
The Israel-Iran conflict is a decades-long power struggle rooted in ideology, security threats, and competing visions for the Middle East.
Israel sees Iran as its most dangerous enemy, primarily due to Tehran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities, its calls for Israel's destruction, and its sustained support for armed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israel believes that a nuclear-armed Iran would permanently alter the strategic balance in the region and pose an existential threat to the Jewish state.
Iran, on the other hand, positions itself as a leader of the anti-Israel resistance and frequently uses its state media and proxy forces to denounce Israel's legitimacy. It funds and arms militias across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Gaza that frequently launch attacks on Israeli territory.
Until recently, both countries operated through proxies, cyberattacks, and covert strikes. But the shift to open, direct attacks—including Iran's unprecedented missile strike on Israel in April and Israel's latest bombing of Iranian soil—marks a dangerous new phase: state-on-state warfare, with fewer restraints and higher stakes.
How Did We Get Here? A Timeline Of Escalation
October 7, 2023: Hamas, backed by Iran, launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people. Israel began a major military campaign in Gaza.
October 17, 2023: Iran's Supreme Leader warned of broader regional conflict if Israel continued its campaign. Hezbollah opened a second front in northern Israel.
Dec 2023 – Mar 2024: Israel escalated strikes on IRGC operatives in Syria, killing several senior commanders.
April 1, 2024: Israel bombed Iran's consulate annex in Damascus, killing Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Iran vowed revenge.
April 13–14, 2024: Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel, firing 300+ drones and missiles. Nearly all were intercepted.
April 19, 2024: Israel responded by bombing a radar site near Isfahan.
July 31, 2024: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran.
Oct 1, 2024: Iran fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.
Oct 26, 2024: Israel launched 'Days of Repentance,' striking 20+ Iranian-linked sites.
Jan–Mar 2025: Fighting intensified across multiple proxy fronts—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Syria/Iraq.
Apr–Jun 2025: Israel accused Iran of crossing the nuclear threshold. The IAEA reported declining transparency.
June 13, 2025: Israel launched Operation Rising Lion. Key nuclear and military targets hit. Iran may have lost top officials. The world watches to see what comes next.
What Happens Now?
top videos
View all
All eyes are on Iran. Retaliation is expected—whether through direct missile strikes, proxy attacks, or cyber retaliation. The risk of wider regional war is at its highest in decades.
This is no longer a shadow conflict. With both nations striking at each other's core assets and threatening escalation, the Middle East stands on the edge of a multi-front war. Whether diplomacy can still avert catastrophe remains to be seen.
About the Author
Karishma Jain
Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar...Read More
Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
donald trump Israel-Iran tensions Middle East
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 08:06 IST
News explainers Explained: Why The Israel-Iran Conflict Just Escalated And What Role The US Is Playing
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
India, 18 others abstain; 149 back UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire
Representative image (Photo: IANS) A UN general assembly (UNGA) resolution seeking an immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire in Gaza was adopted with overwhelming support, as 149 countries voted in favour. India was among the 19 that abstained, even as key American allies like the UK, Australia and Japan voted in favour. The US, Israel and 10 other countries voted against. A similar resolution for a permanent Gaza ceasefire in the security council last week was vetoed by the US. Since Hamas' terrorist strikes on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent Israeli action leading to the present situation, India had twice voted in favour of UNGA Gaza ceasefire resolutions - first in December 2023 and again in the same month a year later for immediate and permanent ceasefire. The development comes just over a month after India's military conflict with Pakistan, which again underscored the significance of Israel for Indian defence. India used Israeli drones to strike deep inside Pakistan and used its air defence systems to repel retaliatory strikes.
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel hits Iran nuclear site, kills its military brass, top scientists
Representative image Iran was reeling on Friday from waves of Israeli strikes that decapitated its military chain of command and targeted a key nuclear facility, as US President Donald Trump urged Iran to strike a deal curbing its nuclear programme or risk "even more brutal" attacks. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu described the assault, which was brought about by deploying warplanes and drones smuggled into the country, as a last resort to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, which Israel views as an existential threat. Israel said the strikes were only the start of 'Operation Rising Lion'. The attacks also killed several top Iranian officials and six nuclear scientists and hit Iran's long-range missile facilities and aerial defences. As evening fell, Iranian media reported explosions on the northern and southern outskirts of Tehran and at Fordo, near the holy city of Qom, a second major nuclear site. Israel's military said it was striking Iranian missile and drone launching sites. Air defences were activated across Tehran and explosions could be heard in Isfahan, with Israel claiming it had struck the nuke site there. Iran said in retaliation "the gates of hell will open". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo On Friday night, explosions were heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as sirens sounded across Israel following what the country's military spokesman said was the firing of missiles from Iran. Iran's state news agency IRNA said hundreds of ballistic missiles had been launched, shortly after supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "harsh punishment". There were no immediate reports of casualties. Friday's strikes were the first time Israel successfully hit Iran's nuke facilities, including its main enrichment facility at Natanz, which an Israeli military spokesperson said had suffered "significant damage."
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Kin back home fear for safety of J&K students stranded in Iran
The Israeli attack over Iran has triggered panic across the student community studying in Iran and their families back in India, including J&K, with the majority of them demanding evacuation from the region. Hundreds of students of Jammu and Kashmir are studying in various universities and educational institutions of Iran and are scared after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian soil and killed several of its top military leaders, including the chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami. The students said that the attack happened around 3 to 3.30 am during the night triggering chaos and panic. Tabiya Zahra, a 2nd year MBBS student from Kashmir currently studying in Tehran University, said that they were awoken by the sounds during the night which they first thought were thunder strikes. 'We were sleeping when we heard sounds like there were thunder strikes but soon there was chaos. The university authorities told us to go to the basement as these were attacks. Everybody is scared and tension is palpable,' Zahra told HT from Tehran. She said there was panic among the 40 Indian students, majority of them from Kashmir, who were staying in the dormitory she was in. She said that there were hundreds of other international students from India like them studying in various universities of Iran and they want to go home. 'Please evacuate us as soon as possible. There is tension and our families back home are also scared as there is uncertainty. There is also fear that the communication may get snapped as many SIM cards of students are not working any more,' she said. The students said that they were provided emails from the Indian embassy in Iran in which they had to provide the information of individual students. 'So far there has been no forward movement as the air spaces are closed,' she said. Badraan Jeelani, a resident of Srinagar whose sister is doing MBBS in Tehran University, said that they want safe return of their loved ones. 'They were in panic as the blasts happened close to a building near their university. We got to know about the situation at around 4 am. Everybody is worried. We are also in touch with some other parents. We want the Government of India to start some evacuation process so that our loved ones return home safely,' Jeelani said. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, seeking urgent intervention for the evacuation of hundreds of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran amid the attacks. The association expressed its concern regarding the dire situation faced by hundreds of Kashmiri students currently studying in Iran, following the unprecedented escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. 'This volatile security environment has left thousands of Indian students, the majority of them from Kashmir valley, extremely vulnerable and exposed to immediate danger. These students had travelled to Iran to pursue professional education, particularly MBBS, due to the country's economically viable academic infrastructure. Now, they find themselves in the middle of an active military zone, fearful for their lives,' wrote Nasir Khuehami, national convener of the JKSA. According to Khuehami, there are some 1,500 students from Kashmir studying in Iran. He said many of these students are enrolled in colleges and universities that are situated close to vital military installations and strategic sites while some students are even located in cities where direct Israeli airstrikes have been reported. 'Numerous students have contacted the Indian Embassy in Tehran seeking support, relocation, or evacuation. However, they have not received any reassuring response or concrete information about what the next steps will be. They remain in a state of confusion and despair, with no clarity about evacuation plans, safety protocols, or emergency assistance,' he said. The association requested the Ministry of External Affairs to establish dedicated and responsive communication lines between Indian students in Iran and the Indian Embassy in Tehran. 'We also request the formulation and immediate preparedness of a comprehensive evacuation plan. If the situation continues to escalate or critical infrastructure comes under sustained attack, timely evacuation could be the difference between life and death,' the JKSA said. 'We hope this urgent appeal will receive your immediate and compassionate attention. The students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Iran are our responsibility. Their safe return home must be a national priority,' it said.
