The tension in Israel-Iran Conflict Reaches New Heights as Missile War and Regime Gambles Shake Middle East. The Middle East is on the brink of catastrophe as Israel and Iran engage in the most open and intense military confrontation in their decades-long rivalry. The Operation Rising Lion and Iranian missile strikes signal open warfare. What began as covert operations and proxy wars has erupted into full-scale missile exchanges, direct airstrikes, and a bold Israeli gamble for regime change in Tehran. Israel and Iran have entered their most dangerous conflict yet.