What's happened
The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated with unprecedented drone and missile strikes, raising fears of a full-blown war. Recent Israeli strikes on Damascus and Iranian retaliation have heightened tensions in the region.
Why it matters
The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel poses a significant threat to regional stability and has the potential to draw in major global powers. The ongoing shadow war has now burst into the open, increasing the risk of a broader conflict that could have far-reaching consequences.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the historical affinity between Iran and Israel, contrasting their lack of bilateral disputes with their current conflict. The Times of Israel reports on recent Israeli strikes on Damascus and the subsequent warnings from Iranian military commanders. Sky News discusses the risk of escalation between Iran and Israel, with a former US national security adviser emphasizing Iran's willingness to use violence to achieve its objectives.
How we got here
The conflict between Iran and Israel has deep roots, with both nations engaging in a shadow war across the Middle East for decades. Recent events, including Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliation, have brought the conflict to a new level of intensity, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Common question
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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