Why in News:

Israel launched a major military operation called “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran. The strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile sites. This happened right after the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) declared that Iran had violated its nuclear agreement.

About the Israel-Iran Conflict:

• Old Rivalry: The tension began in 1979 after Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Since then, Iran has taken a strong anti-Israel position.

• Support to Militant Groups: Iran supports groups like Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), Houthis (Yemen), and other militias in Iraq. These groups surround Israel and attack it indirectly.

• Israel’s Past Strikes: Israel has attacked nuclear sites before — in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007). But Iran has been a tough target due to its strong defense and global implications.

• Abraham Accords Impact: Iran’s threats pushed Sunni Arab countries to improve relations with Israel, putting the Palestine issue aside for now.

• October 7 Incident: Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza, which increased tensions and showed how Iran uses proxy groups.

Why the Conflict Escalated Recently:

• IAEA Resolution: The IAEA found uranium at secret locations in Iran, violating a 1974 agreement. This led to an official declaration of non-compliance.

• Failed Nuclear Talks: Talks between the US and Iran broke down in Oman due to disagreements on uranium enrichment. Israel saw this as a sign Iran was using diplomacy as a cover.

• Israel’s New Strategy: Israel decided that targeting Iran’s proxy groups wasn’t enough. So, it directly targeted Iran.

• Internal Politics in Israel: Under political pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu used the security crisis to strengthen his position and avoid elections.

• Strategic Timing: Israel acted before October 18, when nuclear-related sanctions were set to expire, to stop any renewed diplomatic efforts with Iran.

IAEA’s Role and Future Actions:

• Serious Concerns Raised: The IAEA expressed deep worry about Iran’s lack of honesty regarding its nuclear activities at multiple sites.

• Rare Step Taken: This is only the 7th time the IAEA has declared a country non-compliant, opening the door for the UN Security Council to act.

• Risk of Sanctions: European countries might bring back sanctions under the nuclear deal (JCPOA) before it officially ends in October.

• Iran’s Response: Iran strongly opposed the IAEA’s findings, threatened to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and started working on underground uranium enrichment.

• What’s Next: The IAEA is preparing a detailed report for August. If Iran doesn’t cooperate, pressure will grow globally.

Consequences of the Conflict:

Global Impact:

• Oil Price Rise: Fighting near the Strait of Hormuz (where 20% of world oil passes) can shake global oil markets.

• US in a Tough Spot: The US has to balance support for Israel while protecting its bases and image in the region.

• Nuclear Danger: If Iran leaves the NPT, other countries in West Asia might also try to get nuclear weapons.

Regional Impact:

• Middle East Instability: Countries like Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon could see more drone attacks and proxy wars.

• Talks at Risk: Peace talks between Iran and the US, and between Israel and Palestine, may fail.

• Militias May Rise: Iran-backed groups like Houthis may increase attacks on Israel and US forces.

Impact on India:

• Indian Lives at Risk: Over 8 million Indians live in West Asia. A war could put them in danger and create evacuation challenges.

• Oil Imports Affected: More than 60% of India’s oil comes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any blockage could cause fuel prices to rise in India.

• Diplomatic Tightrope: India has good relations with both Israel and Iran. Managing these ties during war will be very delicate.

Conclusion:

The rising tension between Israel and Iran could lead to a bigger war in an already unstable region. With nuclear risks and proxy wars increasing, peace talks and global cooperation are the only way to avoid disaster.