Last week's Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear program and military assets and Iran's responding missile strikes represent a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations. While covert operations and proxy conflicts have defined much of their rivalry in recent years, this overt military strike signals a dramatic shift in the nature of their confrontation. The attack raises urgent questions about the motivations behind Israel's actions, Iranian retaliation, and the broader implications for regional and global stability.

To explore these issues, RAND experts provide insights into the strategic, diplomatic, and economic dimensions of this unfolding crisis. From the risks of further escalation to the impact on U.S. foreign policy and global energy markets, their analysis sheds light on the complexities of this pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics.