Israel-Iran War Halts After 12 Days Amid Ongoing Nuclear Tensions

The recent conflict between Israel and Iran, involving Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attacks, escalated into a broader confrontation that included U.S. military involvement, prompting a temporary ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump. Israel's air defense, particularly in the northern sector, prepared extensively for Iranian missile attacks, relying on intelligence and rigorous training, while grappling with the emotional toll of interceptions that sometimes fail. The conflict highlights the challenges of anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense systems, which struggle against fast and maneuverable hypersonic weapons, underscoring limitations even in advanced systems like the U.S. Ground-Based Midcourse Defense. China's strong condemnation of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and its advanced hypersonic missile capabilities add a complex strategic dimension to the regional tensions. Strategic analysts warn that the U.S. and Israel's military actions against Iran's nuclear program may have backfired by convincing Iran that nuclear weapons are essential for its survival, potentially undermining non-proliferation efforts and encouraging further nuclear escalation. This situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, including past international inconsistencies on nuclear proliferation and the risks of relying on force over diplomacy.