š„ Recent Developments
On JuneāÆ13, Israel carried out Operation Rising Lion, striking multiple Iranian nuclear, military, and residential sites across Tehran, Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, Tabriz, Khondab, and Khorramabad. Targets included senior IRGC commandersāHossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashidāand nuclear scientists, with substantial infrastructure damage .
Iran retaliated by launching over 100 drones toward Israeli territory. Israelās air defenses swept most of them away .
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āļø Strategic & Regional Stakes
Israel insists the strikes were a preemptive response to Iran's near-weaponsāgrade uranium enrichment (up to 60%) and missile development. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the campaign will continue āas many days as it takesā .
Iranās Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed a āharsh,ā ābitter and painfulā response, increasing fears of regional war .
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š Global Impact & U.S. Positioning
Oil prices surged (up to +14%), while stock markets tumbled as fears grow over disruption in the Strait of Hormuz .
The U.S. publicly denied involvement, with Secretary Rubio emphasizing protection of American forces and warning Iran against targeting U.S. interests .
White House efforts to revive nuclear negotiations appear dead, especially after the IAEAās recent censure of Iranāits strongest in two decades .
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š§ Why It Matters
This marks the largest direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran since before the IranāIraq War, with both sides now exchanging high-stakes strikes. The conflict risks engulfing the regionāpotentially drawing in U.S. and regional actorsāand threatens major disruptions to global energy security and geopolitical stability.
