Iran-Israel War: A New Era of Direct Confrontation in the Middle East

The recent escalation between Iran and Israel, culminating in a 12-day armed conflict in June 2025, marks a significant and dangerous turning point in a long-standing rivalry. This direct confrontation, which saw Israel launch preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities and Iran retaliate with ballistic missiles and drones, has brought the simmering shadow war into the open, raising fears of a broader regional conflagration. The conflict, dubbed "Rising Lion" by Israel, was initiated amidst the ongoing Gaza war and its wider regional spillover, underscoring the interconnectedness of conflicts across the Middle East.