U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate

But No Formal War Declared

As of June 18, 2025, the United States is not formally at war with Iran, though tensions have reached a critical point due to recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting Iranian retaliation. On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military leadership, killing over 200 civilians and key figures like IRGC Commander Hossein Salami (Council on Foreign Relations, 2025). Iran responded with ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel, escalating the conflict into what experts call a “threshold war” (Jan, 2025).

The U.S. has supported Israel with military and intelligence aid but has not directly engaged Iran. President Trump has voiced support for Israel’s actions while pursuing nuclear negotiations, which Iran suspended on June 13 (Institute for the Study of War, 2025). U.S. forces in the Middle East are on high alert, with Iran preparing potential missile strikes on American bases if the U.S. intervenes (Barnes et al., 2025). Iranian-backed militias and the Houthis have threatened attacks, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Despite these developments, no formal declaration of war exists between the U.S. and Iran. Trump’s administration emphasizes diplomacy, though his calls for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” signal a hardline stance (Institute for the Study of War, 2025). Analysts warn that miscalculations could draw the U.S. into direct conflict, especially if Iran advances its nuclear program further.

References
Barnes, J. E., Fassihi, F., Schmitt, E., & Cooper, H. (2025, June 17). Iran is preparing missiles for possible retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases, officials say. The New York Times.
Council on Foreign Relations. (2025, June 17). Confrontation with Iran. Global Conflict Tracker.
Institute for the Study of War. (2025, June 17). Iran update special report, June 17, 2025, evening edition. Understanding War.
Jan, F. N. (2025, June 16). Iran-Israel ‘threshold war’ has rewritten nuclear escalation rules. The Conversation.