Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?
Why Did the US and Israel Strike Iran, and How Long Could the Conflict Last?
The Middle East conflict has intensified following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. On 28 February, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a wave of attacks targeting missile facilities, military installations, and key figures in Tehran. The US and Israel’s actions sparked a swift retaliation, with Iran launching strikes on Israeli and US-backed targets across the Gulf. The violence quickly expanded to Lebanon, increasing casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides.
Initial Strikes and Their Impact
Among the first targets were Iran’s missile capabilities and its military infrastructure. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful force, lost several senior officials, including security chief Ali Larijani, intelligence minister Esmail Khatib, and Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani. Israel claimed these figures were eliminated via air strikes. Additionally, the US targeted Iran’s nuclear sites and oil and gas facilities, such as Kharg Island’s vital oil terminal and the South Pars gas field. A US submarine also sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka on 4 March, resulting in 87 fatalities.
On 3 April, a US F-15 jet was shot down over western Iran. The pilot was rescued, but a search-and-rescue mission faced fire. The second crew member was located the following day, confirmed by former President Trump. Iran accused the US and Israel of an unprovoked attack on a girls’ school near an IRGC base, reporting 168 deaths, including 110 children. The US acknowledged investigating the incident, while Israel stated it was “not aware” of any operations in the area.
Iran’s Retaliation and Global Spread
Iran’s response included missile and drone strikes against Israeli and US-aligned targets. The IRGC reportedly hit sites in Tel Aviv. Casualties rose as attacks spread to Gulf nations hosting US bases. Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, and Kuwait reported deaths, with 13 US service members killed. Oman and Saudi Arabia also saw casualties, though details remain unclear. In northern Iraq, a drone strike killed a French soldier at a Kurdish military base, while an airstrike in Anbar province claimed seven Iraqi lives. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), formed to combat Islamic State, noted 27 of its members were among the victims.
The war has claimed over 3,500 Iranian lives, including 1,606 civilians, as reported by HRANA. A significant portion of the civilian toll involved children. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an Iranian missile attack killed four Palestinian women at a beauty salon. Turkey claimed its NATO defenses intercepted three Iranian missiles, while Azerbaijan accused Iran of drone strikes on an airport. The US and its Arab allies condemned Iran’s actions, emphasizing the targeting of non-combatant areas and facilities.
Challenges in Communication and Context
International journalists face restrictions in Iran, and internet access has been nearly cut off. This has limited real-time updates on the war’s progression. Despite these challenges, the conflict shows no signs of slowing. With both sides escalating their efforts, the duration of the war remains uncertain, hinging on diplomatic efforts or further military moves.
