U.S. and Israel face potential retaliation from Iran amidst talk of forthcoming attacks
The current state of affairs between Iran, the US, and Israel remains tense following the recent conflict in June, which was initiated by Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. This series of events, known as Operation Rising Lion, was aimed at halting what Israel perceived as an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. The US escalated its involvement, conducting unprecedented airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure in response, under the codename Operation Midnight Hammer [1][3].
Iran retaliated with missile, drone, and cyber attacks against Israel and US positions, including a base in Qatar. However, many of Iran’s attacks were intercepted. Despite significant retaliation, Iran’s allied proxy groups in the region largely remained passive due to prior Israeli degradation of their capabilities and internal constraints [1][3]. Casualties are reported as over 1,000 dead in Iran (including key military and scientific figures) and 29 dead in Israel [3].
Following the conflict, Iran has pledged a “more decisive” response to any further US or Israeli aggression, indicating ongoing hostility and the threat of renewed escalation. Meanwhile, Israel and the US maintain hardline positions to prevent Iranian nuclear development, with Israel threatening to “wipe out” any renewed nuclear efforts faster than before [4].
The war marked a shift in regional dynamics, with Israel adopting an aggressive stance post-October 2023 Hamas attacks to assert military dominance, significantly weakening Iran-backed proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah [2]. Despite President Trump announcing a ceasefire on June 24, 2025, statements from both Tehran and Washington suggest that the conflict’s underlying tensions and threat of further military engagement persist [3][4].
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi has warned of a tougher response if the US and Israel resume attacks on Iran. His warning came in response to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had previously threatened to "wipe out" Iran's nuclear program. Araghtschi made his remarks on Monday on the X platform, stating that if there are concerns about a possible diversion of Iran's nuclear program for non-peaceful purposes, a diplomatic solution could work. However, he also emphasised that Iran’s response to any further aggression will be in a way that cannot be concealed [1].
It is important to note that Iran denies intending to build a nuclear bomb, and the declared goal of Israel's action was to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. The exact nature of the potential attacks or responses is not specified in the article.
This article is sourced from ntv.de and AFP. A ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect on June 24, ending twelve days of war. The military option, according to Araghtschi, has proven ineffective in dealing with concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
[1] ntv.de. (2025). Iran threatens stronger response to US, Israel attacks. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/international/Iran-droht-mit-starkeren-Antwort-auf-Angriffe-von-USA-und-Israel-article21700167.html
[2] Reuters. (2025). Israel's aggression weakens Iran-backed groups, shifting Middle East dynamics. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-aggression-weakens-iran-backed-groups-shifting-middle-east-dynamics-2025-06-25/
[3] AFP. (2025). Iran threatens 'more decisive' response to US, Israel. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-06-24-iran-threatens-more-decisive-response-to-us-israel
[4] The Jerusalem Post. (2025). Israel threatens to 'wipe out' Iran's nuclear program faster than before. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-nuclear/iran-threatens-to-respond-to-any-attack-with-a-decisive-response-662677
- The community policy regarding war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news must address the ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, particularly the implications of Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer on the environment, given the reported casualties and potential for renewed escalation.
- The environmental impact of war-and-conflicts, specifically regarding the recent conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, should also be considered, as Iran's retaliation involved missile, drone, and cyber attacks on infrastructure, with potential long-term consequences for the environment in the affected regions.
