Tensions escalate in West Asia after Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks. The strikes follow concerns about Iran's nuclear program and failed negotiations.

The attacks bore the twin hallmarks of Israeli military actions under Netanyahu: Tactically brilliant but lacking any strategic vision

Israel’s latest strike on Iran had nothing to do with dismantling the Iranian (civilian) nuclear program. Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s

The president had asked Israel to hold off. Now he’s scrambling to make a deal in negotiations that have become even more complex.

They died in their own beds. Hossein Salami and Ali Shamkhani—Iran’s most senior military officers and the stewards of Iran’s nuclear weapons program—had spent years threatening Israel with destruction.

This deal isn’t just about nuclear weapons. It’s about the future of the Middle East, the credibility of US foreign policy, and the strength of American leadership.

A US president who vowed to be a peacemaker has to handle a new Middle East crisis that strikes a blow to his diplomatic efforts.

After such a devastating attack from Israel, Iran’s leaders see no choice but to fight back. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home.

Iran appears ready to retaliate if it faces too much pushback. It says this could be “proportionate,” although that leaves many options open.

The endgame of this conflict and the future of the region will be profoundly shaped by how a wounded Iran responds.