Israel and Iran traded direct strikes in June 2025, sparking fears of a catastrophic wider war and forcing Washington to weigh military intervention.
Tensions across the Middle East reached a dangerous new level in June 2025 as Israel and Iran exchanged direct attacks, raising fears that the confrontation could expand into a broader regional conflict.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on June 13 that they had launched attacks against dozens of targets inside Israel, describing the operation as retaliation for Israel’s extensive strikes against Iranian nuclear, military and security facilities. The exchange marked a dramatic escalation between the two longtime adversaries. Israel had begun its offensive by targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites and senior military figures. Israeli officials said the campaign was intended to prevent Iran from advancing toward a nuclear weapon.