What's happened
As of June 30, 2025, the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has intensified, with Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah and Hamas, are largely refraining from direct confrontation due to significant losses and domestic pressures. A tentative ceasefire was established on June 24, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Current Dynamics
- Iran's Proxy Network: The Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah and Hamas, have suffered severe losses, leading to a focus on survival rather than confrontation. This shift is evident as many groups question Iran's ability to protect them.
- U.S. Involvement: The U.S. has escalated its involvement by targeting Iranian nuclear sites, which has further complicated the regional dynamics and increased tensions.
- Hezbollah's Position: Hezbollah, once a formidable force, has been significantly weakened by previous conflicts and is now under pressure from the Lebanese government to avoid further escalation.
Future Implications
- Potential for Wider Conflict: The current restraint shown by Iranian proxies may not last, especially if U.S. actions continue to provoke Iran. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for miscalculations leading to broader conflict.
- Regional Stability: The ongoing conflict threatens regional stability, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq, where Iranian influence is waning. The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has further isolated Iran's position in the region.
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, Israel's military actions have significantly weakened Hezbollah and Hamas, crippling Iran's regional influence. Bloomberg highlights that Iranian proxies are prioritizing survival, with many questioning their allegiance to Tehran. The Independent notes that Hezbollah has been restrained by domestic pressures and losses, while NY Post emphasizes the focus of Iranian militias on self-preservation rather than confrontation. The New Arab reports on Israel's ongoing aerial campaign against Iran, indicating a shift towards direct confrontation as Iranian proxies remain largely silent.
How we got here
The conflict escalated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, leading to Israel's military actions against both Hamas and Iranian proxies. The situation has been exacerbated by U.S. involvement, including airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of U.S. involvement?
- How has Hezbollah been affected by recent events?
- What might happen next in the region?
Common question
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Why Are Iran-Backed Militias Silent in the Israel-Iran Conflict?
As the Israel-Iran war escalates, many are questioning why Iran-backed militias like Hezbollah and Iraqi groups are not engaging in the conflict. This silence raises concerns about their future actions and the implications for regional stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind their restraint and what it could mean for the ongoing conflict.
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How Effective Were the Recent US Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites?
The recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have sparked intense debate regarding their effectiveness and implications for US-Iran relations. While officials claimed significant damage was done, intelligence assessments suggest otherwise. This raises further questions about the future of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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What Regions in Europe Are Most Affected by the Current Heatwave?
As Europe faces an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40°C, many are concerned about the regions most impacted. This extreme weather event is not just a temporary spike; it's part of a larger trend linked to climate change. Below, we explore the areas experiencing the worst of the heat and the implications for residents and tourists alike.
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What are the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict?
The Israel-Iran conflict has seen significant escalations recently, with military actions impacting both regional stability and international relations. As tensions rise, many are left wondering about the implications of these developments. Below, we explore key questions surrounding the ongoing conflict and its ramifications.
More on these topics
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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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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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The Middle East is a transcontinental region that generally includes Western Asia, all of Egypt, Iran, and Turkey. Soviet Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are generally excluded.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.