Unveiling the escalating tensions between Iraq, Iran, and Israel: A gripping tale of missile strikes, nuclear fears, and regional turmoil threatening global stability
The situation between Iraq, Iran, and Israel has been very tense recently, with major events unfolding over the past few days. Below is a detailed but simple explanation of the latest news, based on available information, covering the conflict, its impacts, and what’s happening in the region.
What’s Happening?
Israel and Iran are in a serious conflict, exchanging missile and drone attacks since June 13, 2025. This is the most intense fighting between the two countries since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Iraq is involved because its airspace is reportedly being used by Israel to carry out attacks on Iran, and Iran has allies in Iraq that could get pulled into the conflict.
Key Events:
1. Israel Attacks Iran:
On June 13, Israel launched a large-scale attack called “Operation Rising Lion” on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and oil refineries.
The attacks killed important Iranian military leaders, including Hossein Salami (head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards), Mohammad Bagheri (armed forces chief), and Mohammad Kazemi (intelligence chief).
Israel hit Iran’s nuclear program sites, like the Natanz facility, and oil refineries, causing fires and damage in cities like Tehran and Isfahan.
Israeli drones were reportedly launched from inside Iran, showing how advanced their operations are.
2. Iran Fights Back:
Iran responded by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, targeting cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Iran used a new, powerful missile called the Haj Qassem, which can evade Israel’s air defenses and caused significant damage to buildings in Israel.
Iran’s attacks have killed at least 13 people in Israel, including children, and caused destruction in residential areas.
In Iran, at least 224 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health.
3. Iraq’s Role:
Israel reportedly used Iraq’s airspace to attack Iran, which has upset Iraq’s government. Iraq asked the U.S. to stop Israel from using its airspace, citing international law.
Iran has allies in Iraq, like powerful militias (armed groups), but these groups have stayed quiet so far, possibly due to their own internal issues or losses in past conflicts.
A pro-Iran group in Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah, warned it might attack U.S. troops in Iraq if the U.S. gets involved in the conflict.
Iraq is worried about being dragged into the war, and the U.S. issued a security alert for Americans in Iraq due to risks of violence.
Why Is This Happening?
• Iran’s Nuclear Program: Israel is targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities because it believes Iran is close to building a nuclear weapon, which Israel sees as a major threat.
• Retaliation: Iran is attacking Israel in response to Israel’s strikes, which killed its military leaders and damaged key sites. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promised “severe punishment” for Israel.
• Regional Tensions: Iran supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, and militias in Iraq and Yemen, called the “Axis of Resistance.” These groups are part of Iran’s defense strategy, but they’ve been less active in this conflict so far.
Impact on People:
• In Iran:
People are scared and reminded of the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). Many are fleeing cities like Tehran and Isfahan to safer areas.
Some Iranians are angry at both Israel and their own leaders, feeling their government can’t protect them.
Iran’s leadership is under pressure, and some believe Israel’s attacks aim to weaken or even topple the government, though this is risky and could lead to chaos.
• In Israel:
Missile strikes have hit major cities, destroying buildings and killing at least 13 people. Rescue teams are searching for survivors in the rubble.
Israelis are told to stay in bomb shelters during attacks, and many are scared as Iran’s new missiles are harder to stop.
• In Iraq:
Iraq is trying to stay neutral but is caught in the middle. The government is worried about its airspace being used and the risk of violence spreading.
183 Indian pilgrims are stuck in Iraq, and there are calls for their evacuation.
International Reactions:
United States: The U.S. is helping Israel by shooting down Iranian missiles and drones. President Donald Trump said he hopes Israel and Iran can make a deal, but also said the U.S. will defend Israel.
The U.S. issued travel warnings for Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, advising Americans in Iran to leave or shelter in place.
• Other Countries: China condemned Israel’s actions, and European leaders like Ursula von der Leyen urged a negotiated solution to stop the fighting.
• Nuclear Talks: Talks between the U.S. and Iran about Iran’s nuclear program have been canceled due to the fighting, making diplomacy harder.
What Could Happen Next?
• Escalation: The conflict could grow if Iran keeps attacking or if its allies, like Iraqi militias or Hezbollah, join in. Iran has warned it might target U.S., UK, or French bases if they help Israel.
• De-escalation: Some leaders are pushing for peace talks to avoid a bigger war, but both sides seem unwilling to back down right now.
• Regional Impact: A bigger war could destabilize the Middle East, similar to what happened after the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to extremism and chaos.
• Iran’s Government: Israel’s attacks might weaken Iran’s leaders, but replacing them could lead to more problems, like civil war or a power vacuum.
Why It Matters:
This conflict is dangerous because it involves powerful countries and could pull in others, like the U.S., Iraq, or Iran’s allies. It’s causing deaths, destruction, and fear for people in both Iran and Israel. Iraq is at risk of being dragged in, especially if its militias or U.S. troops get involved. The fighting also threatens oil supplies and global stability, as Iran is a major oil producer.
Sources:
This information comes from recent news reports and posts on X, including The Guardian, Reuters, CNN, The New York Times, and Al Jazeera, among others.causing