Tensions erupted on June 13th as Israel targeted nuclear and fuel enrichment plant installations in Natanz, a city in Iran. Iran responded with a series of drones and missiles, signaling the start of what is now known as the 12-day war.
While a lot about this war has captivated the eyes and ears of people worldwide, the US involvement in the conflict has generated much interest and speculation. On June 22nd, the US attacked Iran’s nuclear sites; although President Trump had stated that the strike had “completely and fully obliterated” the nuclear program, the DIA later explained that, while the area had faced significant damage, Iran had moved some of its uranium prior to the attack, setting them back roughly only a month. This attack, however, had a more symbolic meaning: the US would be willing to assist Israel with direct military support against Iran without being fired upon first. In earlier instances, such as the wars in 1967 and 1973, the US had merely provided Israel with material support rather than with direct military aid.
As a response to US involvement and its attack, Iran launched a strike on a US airbase in Qatar. Nineteen missiles were sent, and eighteen were intercepted before they could harm. While the last missile struck the base, it did not cause any casualties or injuries. Qatar has seen this attack as a challenge to its sovereignty; however, it is important to note that the US and Qatari forces worked together to defend against the attack.
A ceasefire was declared by President Trump on July 24th. Although details of the agreement, and what each side had to concede, were not open to the public, all three parties declared that the ceasefire occurred on their terms. However, the next day, Israel launched missiles at Iran, claiming Iran had attacked them first with two missiles that Israel had managed to intercept. Israel had destroyed a radar station near Tehran in their retaliation. Iran denied firing any missiles after the ceasefire. Despite the tenuous trust and cooperation, the ceasefire was put back in place soon after.
Israel claimed that 28 people died during the war, and Washington-based human rights activists in Iran said at least 974 had been killed. Furthermore, Israel “significantly [damaged] surface targets in Iran, and the US claims to have destroyed underground nuclear facilities.”
While the war is, hesitantly, over, tensions are still high and many are worried about how long the fragile peace can hold. This conflict might have been a mere test of each other’s military capabilities, slowly leading to a larger, sustained war.