The regional implications of escalating Iran-Israel tensions

Heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran after it was hit overnight by Israel, on June 15, 2025. (AFP)

Short Url

https://arab.news/zded7

The new Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets did not catch many by surprise. Israel has been uncompromising in its enforcement of a zero uranium enrichment and even zero nuclear policy for Iran — an objective that lies at the core of its national security doctrine. Despite several rounds of US-Iran negotiations, including last month’s fifth round that ended without progress, Iran has not conceded on this critical point. US President Donald Trump stated that he told Iran it should reach a deal within 60 days. Now, more than 60 days have passed without an agreement, largely due to Tehran’s unwillingness to abandon its nuclear program, or at least scale back enrichment and accept stricter oversight.