Iran's resurgence, Israel's military posture, and U.S. backing create a high-stakes triangle driving the region toward renewed conflict.

Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 13 launched a 12-day war in which Israeli jets pounded Tehran and other Iranian cities while Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel.

Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites during the campaign, citing concerns that Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies. The United States joined t