As tensions in West Asia spiral into one of the most dangerous confrontations in recent years, this episode of Global Faultlines breaks down the 2026 Iran–Israel–U.S. war, starting from the U.S.-led “Operation Epic Fury” and the killing of the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Iran’s sweeping retaliation across the region. We trace the roots of the conflict back to the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, examine how a long-running shadow war escalated into direct military confrontation, and unpack the strategic, economic, and humanitarian consequences, particularly the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. With a fragile Pakistan-brokered ceasefire now under strain and high-stakes talks collapsing, we also take a closer look at why diplomacy has failed so far, what the key sticking points are, and whether the region is on the brink of another round of escalation.

Expert: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu 

Research, Editing and Production: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian 

Camera: Shivaraj S, Karthik P

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