Explainer: The US-Israeli War on Iran

When did the US-Israeli war against Iran begin?

The war occurred in two phases: the first in June 2025 (the 12-Day War), and the second on February 28, 2026. The first lasted 12 days and ended with a ceasefire, while the second involved extensive US-Israeli airstrikes targeting military and nuclear installations.

What are the causes of conflict between the three parties?

The dispute centers on Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional influence. The US and Israel accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, while Iran denies this and asserts its right to peaceful nuclear energy. The escalation also follows Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.

What are the objectives of US and Israeli strikes?

The strikes target destruction of Iranian military and missile capabilities and damage to nuclear facilities. According to official statements, the US and Israel seek to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and weaken its deterrence capabilities, with Washington hoping to precipitate regime change.

What role did Iranian protests play in the escalation?

Widespread protests erupted in Iran from late December 2025 against the regime, driven by a severe economic crisis and currency collapse. Trump threatened intervention to protect protesters, and the US exploited this internal weakness as a partial justification for military strikes.

How did Iran respond to US and Israeli strikes?

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases in the Middle East, including Gulf states. Iran stated its responses were defensive and named its operations 'True Promise 4', attempting to distinguish between attacks on direct military targets.

What is the regional and international stance on the war?

Gulf states adopted a cautious stance, particularly Saudi Arabia which stressed it wouldn't allow use of its airspace in the war. Multiple Islamic nations including Turkey, Pakistan, and Jordan condemned the attacks, while Western countries expressed concern about escalation threatening regional stability.

What impact did the war have on Hezbollah and other actors?

Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel in response to US and Israeli strikes, particularly after reports of Iranian leadership deaths. The group deemed its attacks defensive and clashes with Israel continued, expanding the scope of regional conflict.

Were there diplomatic attempts to stop the war?

Several rounds of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran occurred with mediation from Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, but failed to achieve progress. A ceasefire was reached in June 2025 after 12 days of war, while the second escalation in February 2026 has not been followed by successful negotiations so far.

What are the risks to the Middle East and global economy?

Experts fear conflict expansion to Gulf and Arab states, potentially disrupting oil supplies and closing the Strait of Hormuz. The confrontation raises concerns about economic and security instability in the region, and in worst-case scenarios, Iranian regime collapse could trigger widespread regional chaos.

What is the difference between the June 2025 and February 2026 wars?

The June 2025 war lasted only 12 days and ended with a quick ceasefire. The current war is broader in scope with intensive US participation from the start, direct targeting of Iranian political leadership, and multi-front escalation involving Hezbollah and Houthis.