Was it a calculated masterstroke or a reckless gamble that pushed the Middle East to the brink?

This book unpacks the explosive 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025. It starts with the final, failed diplomatic efforts and the intelligence debates that set the stage for conflict. You'll read about Israel's massive opening attack, “Operation Rising Lion,” which aimed to wipe out Iran's top military leaders and nuclear scientists in a single blow. The book details the audacious assassination campaign and the covert Mossad operations that paved the way for Israeli jets. Then, it shifts to Iran's stunning retaliation, “Operation True Promise III.” Discover how Iran unleashed hundreds of advanced missiles, including new hypersonic weapons, overwhelming Israel's famed Iron Dome. The analysis covers the intense battle in the skies, the sophisticated drone warfare, and the parallel conflict waged in cyberspace by hackers and state actors. It examines the immense economic cost for both nations, a key factor driving the push for peace. The story climaxes with the dramatic American intervention, “Operation Midnight Hammer,” and the high-stakes diplomatic maneuvers that led to a fragile, chaotic ceasefire.

What makes this book different is its balanced, multi-faceted perspective, moving beyond simplistic narratives of good versus evil. While other accounts might focus solely on military hardware, this analysis delves into the strategic thinking, the political calculations, and the human cost on both sides. It presents the official “victory” narratives from both Tehran and Tel Aviv, but then critically examines the deeper realities—the pyrrhic nature of Israel's success and the resilient deterrence demonstrated by Iran. By weaving together military strategy, economic pressures, cyber warfare, and international diplomacy, this book provides a uniquely comprehensive understanding of why the war happened, how it was fought, and how it has fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in the Middle East. It offers a clear-eyed look at the new, more volatile reality of direct state-on-state conflict that now defines the region.

Disclaimer: The author of this work is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the individuals, organizations, or entities mentioned. All trademarks, service marks, and company names are the property of their respective owners. This book is an independent work of strategic analysis and commentary, and any references to trademarked names or protected intellectual property are made under the principles of nominative fair use for the purpose of discussion, criticism, and analysis.

Arms Control