Starting early 2026, the enduring proxy war between Israel and Iran deviated from cyberattacks and assassinations to explicit war involving military forces such as bombs, missiles and drone strikes. Across the Middle East, families struggle to find refuge and escape the region turned war zone, while economically, the sudden cessation of oil trade causes a drastic increase in crude oil prices throughout the world. Though the war remains physically confined to the Middle East, the effects spread globally.
Israel and Iran’s official conflict began February 28, when Israel and the U.S. first launched an attack on Iran’s military sites, nuclear infrastructure and capital, Tehran, following the country’s attempt to build a nuclear weapon. Preceding the aforementioned conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump warned the Iranian government numerous times to tread carefully due to the threats proposed by the — now deceased — Iranian President Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, the two did not reach an agreement, leading to the recent conflict. On Israel’s relationship with Iran, the two have sustained nearly 50 years of discord following the Iranian Revolution of 1979 that shifted the country from monarchical rule to the Islamic Republic regime, where Ruhollah Khomeini pushed an anti-Western and anti-Israel stance.
“There is so much history behind Iran, and a lot of its violence. They have many unresolved conflicts with others, so adding on with a new war between the U.S., which is a major power, and Israel isn’t going to help them at all. I’m nervous to see how it’s going to turn out, but I’m already seeing the direct impacts because my gas costs more now, and I’m nervous to see how else things will change,” sophomore London Orie said.
Following February 28, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Verify confirmed 132 strikes across Iran, with 56 of those confined to Tehran. March 11, the U.S. confirmed the attack of 5,500 targets across Iran over the course of the 12-day war. While the air strikes remain prevalent on the news, Israel and the U.S. have eliminated numerous naval vessels off the coast of the nation, contributing to the overall conflict between the three states.
The fighting remains ceaseless, and nations around the globe have turned to watch the battle. Internet users continue to express their opinions, with varying perspectives adding to the brightening fire. Fear-mongering throughout the internet and social media also contributes to the heated debates, with numerous individuals feeling unnecessary fear despite the conflict’s confinement to the Middle East.
“I feel like it’s not the U.S. and Israel’s war to take. Iran [has] had many internal conflicts over the past decade or so, like the displacement of 800,000 people over the last year, but they haven’t necessarily impacted [other] countries. So when the US and Israel are bombing and attacking Iran, they’re also creating issues internationally, such as the recent shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which is creating an impact on oil prices. Countries nearby are affected, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia. So I feel like it’s not their battle to fight,” magnet freshman Aria Sandhu said.
The future remains unsure as the clash persists in the forefront of people’s minds. While individuals currently residing in the U.S. face no imminent threat, Iran’s advancements in missile configuration raise concerns, especially among citizens living in potential target cities. NC students begin to worry due to the school’s proximity to Atlanta, specifically the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The major hub holds the title of busiest airport in the world, and sits far up on the list of places to hit; however, with Israel and the U.S.’s relentless attacks on Iran, the chances of advancements remain slim.
