Political Lens

As the US-Israeli war against Iran drags on, Yemen's Ansarullah, or the Houthis, have stayed out of the conflict. But that could change. They have said they consider themselves directly concerned and could take a position alongside Iran. The armed group has attacked Israel and shipping in the Red Sea in recent years. If a new front opens up, global trade could be further disrupted in another maritime gateway. Shipping is already largely halted in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant losses worldwide. So, will the Houthis join the war? And what difference could that make for this volatile region?

Relentless US and Israeli attacks on Iran - top figures killed with thousands of air-strikes across the country. Iran has retaliated, hitting Israel and Gulf neighbours, targeting energy facilities and supply routes. So what are Iran's options now?

Tehran has carried out more attacks on Gulf states despite an apology by the president to Iran's neighbours. Civilian targets have been hit, including airports and vital infrastructure. Who's is in control in Iran and how will Gulf states react as the attacks continue?

It's been a week since the war between Israel, the United States and Iran started with strikes on Tehran. The conflict soon spread to neighbouring countries, who've been on the receiving end of hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones. Targets in countries beyond the region have also been hit, with some warning those attacks could open new fronts. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has now apologised to Gulf states - saying it will limit its attacks on them in future. But with no sign that Israel and the US will end the war, how likely are its effects to spread?

Yet another day of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, and Washington says there's more to come, warning of a 'dramatic surge'. But with the exception of Israel, the US has NOT secured the active participation of any of its main allies, as was the case in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. President Donald Trump hasn't hidden his frustration with European leaders, many of whom say the ongoing war is a breach of international law. That view is shared by other global players like China and Russia. But does it need them to continue to wage this war?

Lebanon is once again drawn into a war many of its leaders say is not their fight. Against the government's warnings, Hezbollah has joined Iran in its conflict with Israel. The armed group says it has a right to respond as part of what it calls a resistance campaign. But this time, the Lebanese government has responded by taking the decision to ban Hezbollah's military activities and demanded it disarm. The group has not heeded that warning. Now, as the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran widens to Lebanon, can Hezbollah's involvement be of any real help to Tehran? And what price will Lebanon pay as a result?

Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. US President Donald Trump has made clear his desire for regime change in Iran. Many argue that what remains of Iranian leadership is struggling for survival. But Iran's leadership is notably complex. It has parallel armies, multiple intelligence services and several command structures So, will it survive? Or is the situation spiralling out of control?

Iran attacks Gulf Arab states -- hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as US bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei assassinated in attacks by Israel on Saturday- huge crowds of mourners on the streets. The complex process of selecting his successor is already underway. So how does Iran work - and how robust are its state systems, now under attack?

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The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military build-up by Washington - and indirect talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme. So how dangerous is the situation?