Iran-Israel War Exposes Air Defense Weaknesses

The 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025 exposed vulnerabilities in Israel's advanced air defense systems as Iran successfully adapted missile tactics, increasing penetration rates from 8% to 16% by the conflict's end. Iran launched advanced, longer-range missiles from varied locations and adjusted attack timing, forcing Israel to ration interceptors and resulting in significant strikes, especially on June 22. The conflict escalated with missile and drone exchanges that caused casualties on both sides, and prompted the U.S. to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accused Israel of seeking regime change, and the fighting halted nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen intensified attacks on Israel, leading to Israeli retaliatory strikes in Yemen. The war and its aftermath underscore increasing regional instability and the rapid evolution of missile warfare in the Middle East.