Israel and Iran are in the midst of a fierce military conflict that began roughly a week ago. The clash between the two countries has rapidly escalated as both nations have sent barrages of missiles and drones towards their adversary. Iran has reported over 224 people have died thus far, with most being civilians, and Israel has reported all civilian casualties amounting to at least 24.
The origin comes from a surprise missile strike on Iran. Early June 13, Israel launched a strike on an Iranian nuclear site, killing nearly all of Iran's top military commanders and leading nuclear scientists. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of using its nuclear developments to be able to launch attacks in the future, and opted to strike first, taking both Iran and the rest of the world by surprise with how intense the first strike was.
Since the initial strike, the conflict has evolved into an intense cycle of air and missile attacks. Israel has struck many nuclear sites across Iran at Natanz and Isfahan, as well as a heavy-water reactor facility near Arak. Netanyahu has openly voiced his opinions on a change of leadership within Iran and has indicated his goal of weakening Iran’s governing structures. Iran has been firing back at Israel with hundreds of medium-range ballistic missiles and armed drones, mainly targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other largely populated areas.
World powers have responded with unease and have urged the two nations to de-escalate and find diplomatic solutions. The United States has not yet intervened directly, but President Trump’s Administration has demanded that Iran surrender. This would also entail a cease of nuclear development from Iran, and if a deal isn't struck, President Trump has said that “even more brutal” military action will follow.