Conflict: Israel and Iran

Tensions between the two powers finally come to a boil as Israel launches attacks on Iran's major nuclear sites. Targets also included Iranian military leaders. Among those killed was General Hossein Salami who was the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard. The attacks have damaged six nuclear sites near Tehran as well as the city itself. Israel has described the strike as a preemptive attack. They claim Iran's military power has increased to the point of threatening the existence of Irsael and as such motivated the attack. Both Israel and Iran have advanced missile capabilities and this strike could trigger mass destruction on both sides of the conflict. Israel's prime minister Netanyaho has named the attack Operation Rising Lion. This strike is the latest event in a tumultuous history of altercations between the two nations. Iran has been involved in war between Israel and Hamas by supporting both Hamas and Hezbollah to fight against Israel.

As an Iranian American I feel very conflicted about this event. The U.S. has historically been a strong supporter of Israel and this latest development worsens already strained tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran is likely to retaliate with its ballistic missiles which could reach Israel within 15 minutes of being launched. Iran’s Armed Forces Brigadier Shekarchi has already issued a deadly warning toward the U.S. and Israel by saying both nations will "pay dearly." As such, Israel has declared a national state of emergency and is closing down public spaces to prepare for Iran's response.