What's happened
On June 22, 2025, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the region. This action follows Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iran's nuclear ambitions, which has drawn international condemnation and fears of wider conflict. Iran has retaliated with missile strikes targeting Israel.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Escalation of Military Action: The U.S. airstrikes mark a significant escalation in military involvement, directly aligning with Israel's objectives to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities.
- Iran's Response: Iran's missile strikes on Israel indicate a willingness to retaliate, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
- Diplomatic Breakdown: The failure of diplomatic efforts, as highlighted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's rejection of negotiations while strikes continue, underscores the deteriorating situation.
- International Reactions: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman have expressed concern over the U.S. actions, indicating a potential shift in regional alliances and stability.
- Future Implications: The ongoing conflict could lead to increased military engagements and a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
What the papers say
According to Nathaniel Lacsina from Gulf News, the U.S. military's strikes on Iran were described as a risky move to weaken a longtime adversary amid threats of retaliation from Tehran. Meanwhile, Gideon Saar, Israel's Foreign Minister, stated that Israel's military actions have delayed Iran's nuclear capabilities by two to three years, as reported by The Times of Israel. In contrast, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes, asserting that they have 'decided to blow up' diplomacy, as noted in multiple sources including South China Morning Post. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts failing to yield a resolution.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Israel launched airstrikes on June 13, 2025, aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump set a two-week deadline for Iran to negotiate or face potential American military involvement, dismissing European diplomatic efforts.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the US strikes on Iran?
- How is Iran responding to the military actions?
- What are the international reactions to this conflict?
Common question
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What are the latest developments in Trump's foreign policy regarding peace deals and conflicts?
As President Trump continues to navigate complex international relations, recent announcements regarding peace deals and potential military involvement have raised many questions. From a significant peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict, understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the current state of global diplomacy. Here are some common questions people are asking about Trump's foreign policy moves.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Abbas Araghchi is an Iranian diplomat who is currently the political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He previously held office as the Deputy for Asia–Pacific and the Commonwealth Affairs and Legal and International Affairs of the Mini
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The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
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David Lindon Lammy PC FRSA is a British Labour Party politician serving as Member of Parliament for Tottenham since 2000, and has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor in Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet since 2020.