The conflict between Iran and Israel, escalating into an open war in June 2025, is rooted in decades of animosity. Israel attacked Iran primarily to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which Israel sees as an existential threat. The immediate trigger was Israel launching surprise strikes against Iran's nuclear and military facilities on June 13, 2025, alongside assassinations of key Iranian military figures. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel. The tension is fueled by Iran's long- standing refusal to recognize Israel's legitimacy, support for anti-Israel groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and Israel's efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program, especially after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and Iran's renewed nuclear activities. The war is also a continuation of proxy conflicts and direct confrontations that had been escalating since 2024.

Historical Context

• Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran and Israel had cooperative relations.
• Post-revolution, Iran adopted a vehemently anti-Israel stance, supporting Palestinian groups and Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of a proxy conflict.
• Israel views Iran's nuclear ambitions as a direct existential threat and has employed covert operations to slow Iran's progress.

Recent Events Leading to War

• In 2024, direct confrontations began with Israeli strikes in Syria targeting Iranian forces.
• Assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders linked to Iran escalated tensions.
• The collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and Iran's resumption of nuclear activities led to international concerns.
• Israel seized an operational opportunity to attack Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure in June 2025.

Strategic Motives

• Israel sought to exploit Iranian vulnerabilities while minimizing risks.
• Iran retaliated with extensive missile and drone attacks.
• The United States supported Israel and took limited offensive actions against Iran's nuclear sites.
• After intense fighting and strategic calculations, a ceasefire was agreed upon in late June 2025.

This conflict represents both a direct military confrontation and a broader struggle over regional dominance, security, and the future of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.