Fear of another war grows as Iran and Israel go head to head

International relations expert, Professor John Stremlau, says Israel’s attack on Iran could have detrimental effects globally and the United States needs to step in urgently to quell the fire.

On Friday, Tel Aviv launched strikes on Tehran, targeting its nuclear programme and military bases.

The unprecedented attack has sparked fears of a war breaking out between the Middle Eastern countries, after Iran vowed to retaliate with force.

Speaking to YNews, Stremlau said Israel had made a dangerous move.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has confirmed that Tel Aviv is the one who launched strikes at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.

Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.

This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.

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Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: pic.twitter.com/XgUTy90g1S

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 13, 2025

It is understood that some top military and nuclear officials were killed in the unprecedented onslought on Tehran.

Iran subsequently responded by launching at least 100 drones and ballistic missiles in Israel’s direction.

However, most of them were shot down, according to Israel’s military.

The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has threatened severe punishment against Tel Aviv.

There will be no safe place for you…🌪 pic.twitter.com/I9353tE8wa

— Armed Iran (@Militaryy111) June 13, 2025

The deadly attack took place despite US President Donald Trump advising Israel not to go that route, at least until after the Washington exhausted attempts to negotiate a deal with Tehran.

Trump says Iran still has time to make a deal before there is nothing left, suggesting that more attacks could take place.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.13.25 05:56 AM EST

I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to “just do it,” but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done. I told them it would be…

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 13, 2025

Stremlau, however, warns that Trump cannot be trusted.

Nations across the Middle East have meanwhile slammed Israel for the offensive, calling for urgent de-escalation amid concerns of tit-for-tat retaliation.

Other world leaders, including Britain, France and Germany, have urged all sides to refrain from further escalation.

France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response.

In this context, France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security.

To avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 13, 2025

The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.

Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint,…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 13, 2025

Social media users have also weighed in on the issue, with some condemning Israel.

Lion? You’re only a perceived lion because of your American support, and blackmail operations. Take away America and Israel wouldn’t last more than a week. Any modern day analyst whom works in this region would tell you that. When you get in trouble who do you call every time? US

— Khalid (@Khalid_Ed_) June 13, 2025

We might actually witness the downfall of The Iranian Regime in just a couple days. Israel has shown itself as the true superpower of The Middle East. May the Iranian people be freed from the Islamic Iranian Regime.

— 🌴💜Boycott Disney 2025💛 🇺🇸 (@FrittsJensen) June 13, 2025

Israel is a cancer to this world.

— Denno Janjez (@Darlinpanda12) June 13, 2025

This year, Israel has bombed:

• Egypt 🇪🇬
• Palestine 🇵🇸
• Yemen 🇾🇪
• Lebanon 🇱🇧
• Syria 🇸🇾
• Iraq 🇮🇶
• Iran 🇮🇷

7 countries.

As my mum said when I was a kid, she said “Eoin if you think everyone is the problem except you, it is time to take a look at yourself”.

— Tory Fibs (@ToryFibs) June 13, 2025