why are iran and israel fighting

The conflict between Iran and Israel escalated into direct fighting in June 2025, known as the Iran–Israel war or the Twelve-Day War. It began when Israel launched surprise attacks targeting Iran's military and nuclear facilities, assassinating prominent Iranian military leaders and damaging Iran's air defenses. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities and military sites. The conflict is part of a longstanding hostility between the two countries, rooted in decades of Iran challenging Israel's legitimacy and Israel viewing Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat. The immediate cause was Israel exploiting an operational opportunity amid Iran's advancing nuclear enrichment and perceived military weakness, aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This direct confrontation followed years of proxy conflicts and covert attacks, with Israel concerned about Iran's growing military capabilities and nuclear ambitions, while Iran opposes Israel's existence and supports anti-Israel groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The war ended with a ceasefire in June 2025, pressured by the US, which also took military actions against Iran during the conflict. In summary, the fighting is due to Israel's intent to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and Iran's long-standing hostility toward Israel, including its support for groups opposing Israel, leading to escalating tensions and direct military conflict in 2025.