This Week in Explainers: What’s the most recent battle between Israel and Iran all about?

West Asia is getting ready to conflict but once more, as Israel and Iran assault one another. It began within the early hours on Friday (June 13), when Israel focused Iranian nuclear websites and took out prime commanders and nuclear websites. The assault on the Islamic Republic was the biggest since its
conflict with Iraq within the Eighties
.

“Blood for blood,” the Iranian navy swore. Then Iran launched a whole bunch of ballistic missiles at Israel. The 2 sides have been exchanging strikes in a single day since late Friday. Explosions have been heard in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Tehran as the 2 sides proceed to commerce strikes. As tensions escalate, it stays to be seen the place this battle goes.

The US noticed unprecedented scenes all through the week. The Los Angeles protests over immigration escalated because the Trump administration deployed the Nationwide Guard and Marines. The US president clashed with California Governor Gavin Newsom, with Trump even suggesting his arrest. The demonstrations quickly unfold to different elements of the nation – New York Metropolis, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and different cities in Texas, amongst others.

There may be rising anger towards Trump, who celebrated his 79th birthday on Saturday (June 14). It fell on the identical day because the
250th anniversary of the US Military
. A
grand navy parade
was held in Washington, DC, as 1000’s participated in
“No Kings” rallies
towards Potus throughout the nation.

All this and extra in our weekly wrap of the massive headlines from world wide.

1. It’s Israel vs Iran once more. However this time, the scenario seems to be much more grave. Early Friday, Israel launched airstrikes towards Iran, focusing on its nuclear and navy installations. In a giant blow to the Islamic Republic, a number of of its prime generals, together with the top of its elite Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, and nuclear scientists, have been killed. However
why did Israel assault Iran?
Will this result in a full-blown conflict in West Asia? We clarify.

2. Iran retaliated towards Israel’s Operation Rising Lion with a
barrage of missiles
. There was
intense combating
between the 2 sides on the intervening night time of Friday and Saturday. There have been explosions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Tehran. Three folks have been killed in Israel and dozens injured; there have been additionally reviews of a strike close to a key navy facility in Tel Aviv. Did Israel’s Iron Dome and different famed air defence methods fail?
We clarify
.

3. West Asia is on the sting of a full-blown conflict. The potential of a prolonged battle is actual. However which facet is stronger? How does the Israeli navy evaluate with Iran’s?
This piece
takes a glance.

4. Now let’s transfer our consideration to the US. Los Angeles has been gripped by immigration protests, which began on June 6. The anger solely escalated after the Trump administration deployed the
Nationwide Guard
. However what triggered the stir?
A hearsay of raids at a ironmongery store
.

5. Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and rising protests towards Trump, Washington, DC witnessed a spectacle – a uncommon navy parade. It was to have a good time the 250th anniversary of the US Military. And it coincided with the US president’s 79th birthday. Dozens of tanks and different navy {hardware} took centre stage on the nationwide capital. (Don’t miss the robotic canines.) Because the parade unfolded, enormous crowds attended the “No Kings” protests throughout the nation.
Listed below are the highlights
.

6. In its crackdown on unlawful immigrants, the US administration has typically been beneath fireplace for inhumane therapy. Just a few days in the past, a video of an Indian scholar being handcuffed and pinned down at an airport in New Jersey went viral. The Indian Embassy in New York stepped in, after which the US Embassy stated that it could not tolerate the abuse of visas. The Indian authorities later stated the detained scholar entered the US and not using a legitimate visa.
Right here’s how the controversy began
.

I witnessed a younger Indian scholar being deported from Newark Airport final night time— handcuffed, crying, handled like a prison. He got here chasing desires, not inflicting hurt. As an NRI, I felt helpless and heartbroken. It is a human tragedy. @IndianEmbassyUS #immigrationraids pic.twitter.com/0cINhd0xU1

— Kunal Jain (@SONOFINDIA) June 8, 2025

7. Pakistan’s infamous 313 Brigade was again in focus after Senator Sherry Rehman evaded questions concerning it throughout a current interview. What is that this extremist group? What’s its reference to al-Qaeda?
This story
solutions the questions.

8. One in all our most-read explainers of the week is in regards to the F-35. It’s the plane that Trump desires India to purchase from the US. But it surely looks like America itself may not need it. The Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet is seeing lowered orders for its major purchaser, the US navy.
However why?

That covers all the massive world information you need to find out about earlier than you prep for the approaching week. If you wish to know extra in regards to the Israel-Iran battle, one can find our explainers
right here
.