The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated significantly since April 2024, with both countries engaging in direct confrontations. Here's a breakdown of the key events¹:
- *April 1, 2024:* Israel bombed an Iranian consulate complex in Damascus, Syria, killing several senior Iranian officials, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander for the Quds Force. Iran vowed to respond.
- *April 13, 2024:* Iran launched around 300 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at Israel, which were largely intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the US, UK, and Jordan. A 7-year-old Israeli Bedouin child was critically injured.
- *April 19, 2024:* Israel retaliated against Iran, targeting a military base near Isfahan International Airport and a radar system for the Natanz nuclear site. Iran downplayed the attack and claimed no planned retaliation.
- *July 31, 2024:* Israel assassinated Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran. Iran and Hezbollah pledged retaliation.
- *October 1, 2024:* Iran launched around 200 missiles towards Israel in two waves.
- *October 26, 2024:* Israel carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting several military sites.
- *June 12, 2025:* Israel launched several airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and infrastructure.
The conflict is fueled by ideological, military, and geopolitical differences between the two nations. Iran views Israel as an existential threat and supports anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, while Israel sees Iran's nuclear program and regional ambitions as a significant threat.²