Twelve-Day War
The Twelve-Day War was a brief armed conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, marked by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets and Iranian retaliatory attacks.
The Twelve-Day War was a brief armed conflict between Israel and Iran that took place from 13 June to 24 June 2025. The war began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks, and ended after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. It is also referred to as the 12-Day War or the Iran–Israel war.
Background
The Twelve-Day War emerged from the wider Iran–Israel conflict, which had involved years of proxy hostilities and direct confrontations before June 2025. The conflict formed part of the longer-running Iran–Israel conflict, which had already included direct clashes in 2024.
Course of the war
Israel opened the conflict on 13 June 2025 with large-scale strikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and related infrastructure, under the name Operation Rising Lion. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, dubbed Operation True Promise III, targeting Israel. The United States later entered the conflict on 22 June 2025, striking Iranian nuclear facilities under Operation Midnight Hammer.
Ceasefire
A ceasefire was announced on 23 June 2025 and was described as taking effect the following day, 24 June 2025. Reports indicate that the fighting ended shortly after the ceasefire came into force, despite some early violations. The ceasefire was brokered by the United States.
Aftermath
The war affected regional security and intensified debate over Iran's nuclear programme, Israeli military strategy, and U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Public reporting on casualties and damage varied by source, with estimates differing across outlets.
Key facts
- The war began on 13 June 2025 with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure.
- Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel during the same period.
- The United States later entered the conflict by striking Iranian nuclear facilities on 22 June 2025.
- A ceasefire was announced on 24 June 2025, bringing the fighting to an end.
- The conflict formed part of the longer-running Iran–Israel conflict, which had included direct clashes in 2024.
The war mattered to Canadian readers because it affected global energy markets, Middle East security, and international diplomacy, all of which can influence Canadian foreign policy and economic conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Twelve-Day War?
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/12-Day-WarSupports: Date, parties involved, U.S. involvement, and ceasefire timing.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-Day_WarSupports: Common name, conflict timing, and Trump's use of the term '12 Day War'.
- Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-Day_WarSupports: Start date, naming, and broad description of the conflict.
- Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/26/visualising-12-days-of-the-israel-iran-conflictSupports: Timeline of Israeli, Iranian, and U.S. strikes; ceasefire date; casualty reporting.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Israel_conflictSupports: Context within the longer Iran–Israel conflict and prior direct clashes.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_attacks_during_the_Twelve-Day_WarSupports: Named operations and sequence of attacks by Israel, Iran, and the United States.