ANALYSIS OF THE MILITARY-POLITICAL SITUATION AT THE OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEVELS IN THE US/ISRAEL–IRAN CONFLICT
Abstract
The tensions between the US/Israel and Iran had long been characterized by indirect confrontation. However, events in June 2025 shifted this rivalry into the realm of direct military conflict. Israel conducted large-scale air operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile bases, and military leadership, while Iran launched retaliatory strikes using ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Subsequently, the US struck key Iranian nuclear facilities using strategic bombers and precision-guided munitions. These events brought about significant changes in the region's security architecture. The relevance of this topic lies in the fact that the interplay of air superiority, precision-guided weapons, intelligence systems, UAVs, information warfare, and political decision-making in modern warfare has shaped new approaches at both the operational and strategic levels. The purpose of the analysis is to examine the military-political situation regarding a potential US - Israel-Iran war at the operational and strategic levels, assess the military capabilities of the parties, and determine the war's impact on the regional security system. The analytical study conducted involved examining the history of relations between the US, Israel, and Iran; analyzing the planning of military operations; assessing the effectiveness of air and missile operations; determining the role of electronic warfare; comparing the strategic objectives of the parties; and investigating the impact of the conflict on the international security system.References
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