Israel and Iran Are Fighting: Why It Matters to the World

Written by: Keya Gambhir

In April 2024, tensions between Iran and Israel, two countries with a long history of conflict, began to become more dangerous. What had mostly been hidden or indirect fighting turned into real missile attacks and drone strikes. This kind of back-and-forth is called a “war of abrasion,” where each side tries to wear the other down with repeated attacks over time.

Now, in June 2025, the conflict has taken another serious turn.

Missiles Strike

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale military attack against Iran. The Israeli Air Force sent over 200 fighter jets in five waves to bomb more than 100 sites across Iran. These included key nuclear facilities in cities like Natanz and Isfahan, where Iran was believed to be working on nuclear weapons. Before the jets arrived, Israeli spy drones secretly destroyed Iran’s air defenses. The attack killed several top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Israel said it acted to stop Iran from becoming a greater threat, especially because of its nuclear program. This was the biggest direct attack Israel has ever carried out on Iran.

Then, early on Monday, June 16, Iran launched new missiles at two major cities in Israel: Tel Aviv and Haifa. Fires broke out, buildings were destroyed, and several people were injured or killed. At least three people died in the center of Israel, and dozens more were hurt, including around 30 in Haifa, according to emergency teams.

Iran said this new attack used a “new method” that confused Israel’s defense system, letting more missiles reach their targets. Israel’s military hasn't commented yet, but has warned that their defense system isn’t perfect.

The damage was intense in some places. A market area, schools, and apartment buildings were hit. Near the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, windows were blown out and buildings were badly damaged. A power plant near Haifa was also set on fire.

One man named Guydo Tetelbaun said he and others ran into a nearby shelter after sirens went off at 4 a.m. “Within minutes, the door of the shelter blew in,” he said.

Why Are Iran and Israel Fighting?

Iran and Israel have had a tense relationship for many years. Israel is worried about Iran building nuclear weapons, and Iran has opposed Israel’s existence as a country. This has led to long-standing mistrust and smaller conflicts in the past.

The fighting goes back many years, but the current round started in April 2024. After a top Hamas leader was killed in Syria (which Iran blamed on Israel), Iran fired over 300 drones and missiles at Israel.

Hamas is a group based in Gaza that has often fought with Israel. It says it wants to defend Palestinians but is considered a terrorist group by many countries. Iran supports Hamas, while Israel sees them as a threat.

Israel then struck back with more attacks on Iran.

More recently, in June 2025, Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile sites, which killed important military leaders. In response, Iran launched the new wave of missiles on Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Both sides have suffered losses. Israel says at least 10 people, including children, have died in recent attacks. Iran’s government says that over 220 people have died there, many of them civilians, or people who weren’t involved in fighting.

How Is the World Reacting?

The rest of the world is very worried that this fight could grow into a larger war. World leaders from countries like the U.S., Germany, and Canada are meeting this week at the G7 summit, a group of seven powerful countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom that meet to talk about important world issues like wars, climate change, and the economy, in Canada. Germany’s leader said his goals are to keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons, protect Israel’s right to defend itself, and make space for diplomacy, which means solving problems by talking, not fighting.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes for a peace deal but also commented, “Sometimes they have to fight it out.” He also warned Iran not to attack any U.S. targets.

Iran has told countries like Qatar and Oman that it won’t agree to a ceasefire (a pause in fighting) while Israel is still attacking. A planned U.S.-Iran nuclear talk was canceled because of the new strikes.

What Happens Next?

Right now, both Iran and Israel say they will keep fighting. Israel has said that things might get worse. Iran has warned that if the attacks don’t stop, they will respond strongly. If other groups like Hezbollah, a powerful group in Lebanon that also fights Israel, join in, the fighting could spread even more.

People around the world, and especially those living in the region, are hoping things calm down before more lives are lost.