Why is Iran clashing with Israel?

Although the roots of the conflict between Iran and Israel stretch far back into history, the immediate trigger of the recent escalation can be traced to Israel’s accusations that Iran has been increasing its nuclear weapons production. Israel has long perceived Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat, and these concerns intensified in early 2025, leading to a sharp rise in regional tensions. 

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched its first direct attack, targeting strategic locations including the Tabriz Air Base, Madani Airport in Tabriz, and areas near Tehran. This marked a significant escalation, as it represented a direct military confrontation rather than indirect or proxy-based actions that had characterized much of the rivalry in previous years. 

Iran responded swiftly. On June 15, 2025, Iranian forces launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets, including Tel Aviv and Rishon LeZion. These attacks demonstrated Iran’s willingness to respond militarily and signaled that it would not remain passive in the face of Israeli aggression. 

The cycle of reciprocal retaliation that began on June 13 continued to intensify over the following days. The situation further escalated when Iran targeted a United States military base in Qatar on June 23, 2025, drawing Washington more directly into the crisis. This development significantly raised the risk of a broader regional conflict involving multiple international actors. 

The escalation ultimately culminated in a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social on June 24, 2025. Following this statement and subsequent diplomatic efforts, both sides agreed to a ceasefire. Although the ceasefire temporarily halted active hostilities, the underlying issues—particularly concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s security—remain unresolved, leaving the potential for future confrontations. 

References
BBC News. (2025, June 13). Mid-East crisis escalates — Iran rains missiles on Israel after attacks on nuclear sites[Video]. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c1kv9ejy10yo

Al Jazeera Staff. (2025, June 13). Israel attacks Iran: What we know so far. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/13/israel-attacksiran-what-we-know-so-far

BBC News. (2025, June 14). Israel and Iran exchange fire through night with blasts heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv [Video]. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cy9090yje1do

Al Jazeera Staff. (2025, June 23). Flares over Qatar’s Doha; explosions heard amid US-Israel-Iran conflict. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/23/flares-over-qatars-doha-explosions-heard-amid-us-israel-iran-conflict

Al Jazeera Staff. (2025, June 24). Israel and Iran agree ceasefire amid waves of missiles. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/24/israel-and-iran-agree-ceasefire-amid-waves-of-missiles