What's happened
On June 13, 2025, Iran launched missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The conflict escalated after Israel's attacks reportedly killed 78 people in Iran. The UN Security Council is set to meet regarding the situation, as tensions rise between the two nations.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Escalation of Conflict: The missile exchanges mark a significant escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with both sides demonstrating a willingness to engage in direct military action.
- Iran's Response: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that Israel's strikes initiated a war, emphasizing that Iran's retaliation would be decisive and not half-measured.
- US Involvement: The US has been involved diplomatically, with President Trump urging Iran to negotiate. However, the situation is precarious, as military actions could undermine ongoing talks.
- Regional Implications: The conflict could destabilize the region further, with potential repercussions for US interests and allies in the Middle East.
- Future Outlook: As both nations prepare for further military actions, the likelihood of a broader conflict increases, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, Iran launched missiles at Israel following Israeli strikes that reportedly killed 78 people. The UN Security Council is expected to convene to address the situation. Al Jazeera reported that explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with Iranian state media claiming that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps executed a precise response against Israeli military targets. The South China Morning Post highlighted that Iran's missile retaliation was in response to Israel's largest attacks on its nuclear sites. The Times of Israel noted that US officials are concerned about the potential for further escalation and have advised caution in the region, reflecting the delicate balance of power and the ongoing negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
How we got here
The recent escalation follows a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders, part of Israel's ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to negotiate a deal to avoid further military actions.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this conflict for the region?
- How is the US responding to the escalating tensions?
- What are the potential outcomes of the UN meeting?
Common question
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What triggered the recent military strikes between Israel and Iran?
The recent military strikes between Israel and Iran have escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising questions about the underlying causes and potential consequences. Understanding the events leading up to this conflict is crucial for grasping the broader geopolitical implications. Below are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into this complex situation.
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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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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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution on 22 April 1979 by order of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN
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Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei is a Twelver Shia Marja' and the second and current supreme leader of Iran, in office since 1989. He was previously the president of Iran from 1981 to 1989.