Summary
President Donald Trump has launched coordinated military strikes on Iran with Israel. Iran retaliated by attacking several U.S. allies in the Middle East. The situation has sparked concerns over a possible wider conflict in the region.
Key Facts
- President Trump ordered military strikes against key sites in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
- Iran quickly responded by launching missiles at Israel and nearby Gulf countries.
- Iran possesses a large stockpile of missiles and drones and has proxy forces in Iraq and Syria.
- The conflict could broaden if Iran attacks U.S. or Israeli sites, or disrupts oil shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is well-protected by a strong security unit.
- Regional allies of Iran, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq, could become involved.
- President Trump has called for Iranian citizens to take control of their government.
- There have been recent protests in Iran, and U.S. actions might encourage more demonstrations.
