West Asia Conflict: US-Iran Tensions and Israel’s Strikes
Why in the news
Tension between the US, Israel and Iran rose sharply in March 2025 after a US overture on Iran’s nuclear programme was followed by fresh military action in Yemen, Gaza and Lebanon.
Key facts
- 7 March 2025: Donald Trump sent a letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asking for talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
- 15 March: pre-emptive US airstrikes hit the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen.
- 17 March: Israel restarted bombing Gaza, with over 400 Palestinians killed; the fragile ceasefire ended.
- 22 March: Israel’s biggest strikes on Lebanon since November, aimed at Hezbollah.
- The US sent more fighter jets and a second aircraft carrier to the region.
Background
- JCPOA (2015): limited Iran’s nuclear work for sanctions relief; Israel and US conservatives opposed it.
- 2018: Trump quit the deal, restored sanctions and ran a maximum pressure drive; Iran expanded its nuclear work.
- After the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, Israel targeted Iranian officials and allies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
- Assad’s removal in late 2024 ended Iran’s only state ally in West Asia and cut its land link to Hezbollah.
Risks ahead
- The US wants Iran to drop its nuclear programme, reduce military strength and cut ties with allies; Iran offers only limited nuclear talks.
- Joint US-Israel strikes might hit nuclear sites, though deeply buried ones may survive; a regime-change invasion would be very hard.
Exam angle
- Related terms: JCPOA, maximum pressure, axis of resistance.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.