Expert reporting on the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. involvement, from the June 2025 Twelve-Day War to ongoing military escalation, strategic signalling, regional spillover risks and great power implications across the Middle East.
State collapse in Iran may not be the most likely outcome of the current war with Israel, but U.S. involvement and attempts at regime change could lead this way, thus triggering serious regional instability.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing, with the United States setting a two-week timeframe. Yet, mistrust and the continued escalation of attacks risk expanding the conflict.
Neither Israel nor the U.S. strategic objectives are set in stone and will continue to oscillate between neutering what they perceive as Iranian threats or pursuing regime change. This creates a highly volatile environment.
Israelโs latest strike on Iran marks a sharp escalation, killing key military commanders and damaging strategic assets. Iranโs response is unfolding in stages, aiming to restore deterrence without triggering full-scale war. This article considers the strategic implications and regional risks ahead.