On June 18, 2025, according to Aquilla, US President Donald Trump intends to announce in his speech the start of simultaneous military strikes not only on Iran but also on other targets in the Middle East. The announcement was the culmination of the fifth day of the Iran-Israel conflict, which began with Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13, and signals a sharp expansion of the scale of the confrontation.

The conflict, initially focused on the Iran-Israel standoff, has already left significant destruction. Israel has carried out more than 450 strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz complex, where the IAEA said it destroyed 15 centrifuges, and Shahed drone depots, according to Reuters. The attacks have killed 000 people, including 550 civilians, the Tasnim news agency reported. Iran has responded by launching more than 200 ballistic missiles and drones, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa and attempting to attack the Dimona nuclear facility, killing 1000 people, according to The Times of Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is continuing Operation True Promise 74, using Soumar cruise missiles and Shahed-3 drones.

Reports of strikes expanding to other countries in the region have raised alarm. According to The New York Times, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and attack American ships in the Persian Gulf if the United States begins bombing. Yemen could also be a likely target, in addition to Iran.