Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?
Escalation in Middle Eastern Tensions
Recent military actions by the United States and Israel have intensified conflicts across the Middle East, with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among the casualties. The strikes, targeting Iran’s infrastructure and leadership, were executed on Saturday, prompting immediate retaliation. Iran has since launched a series of missile and drone attacks, directing them at Israel, Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and maritime vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Targeting Iran’s Strategic Assets
The US and Israel executed coordinated strikes, focusing on Iran’s missile capabilities, military installations, and key political figures. Khamenei’s Tehran residence was destroyed, marking the end of his 34-year leadership. Additionally, several high-ranking officials within the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) were eliminated, including Defence Council secretary Ali Shamkhani and Defence Minister Brig Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh.
Iran’s Retaliatory Measures
Following the initial strikes, Iran’s IRGC swiftly named a new commander-in-chief, Ahmad Vahidi. The country reported 555 fatalities across 130 locations, with a strike on a school in southern Iran resulting in over 150 deaths, including children. Internet access and air travel were severely disrupted, yet Iran’s military retained its ability to conduct further operations. On Sunday, the US Central Command (Centcom) claimed to have neutralized 11 Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman, leaving no vessels in the region.
Regional Fallout and Strategic Objectives
Iran’s retaliation included attacks on Israeli targets, with Hezbollah launching rockets from Lebanon into Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded by striking Hezbollah positions. Trump framed the operation as a step to “ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon,” vowing to “obliterate” its missile industry. “We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” he stated in a Saturday morning video on Truth Social. He also warned Iran’s forces to surrender or face “certain death,” urging Iranians to seize control of their government: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Broader Implications
The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US, followed weeks of threats from Trump against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful, calling the strikes “unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate.” The IRGC targeted Israeli military and government sites, including a residential area in Beit Shemesh, where nine people were killed. A British drone attack on Cyprus’s Akrotiri base caused no casualties but prompted evacuations. US military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and the UAE were also hit, as were Oman and Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
“Donald Trump is the strongest leader in the world. He does what he thinks is right for America.” — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu emphasized that the operation aimed to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran,” dismissing claims of Israeli influence on US decisions. As the situation unfolds, the war’s duration remains uncertain, with potential for escalation or de-escalation depending on the response from Iran and its allies.
