Iran and Israel have been at loggerheads in the past weeks, putting the world on its toes.

The Iran-Israel conflict, which escalated into direct warfare in June 2025, has impacted several countries either through direct involvement, proxy activities, or regional consequences.

Daily Sun examines seven countries notably affected, based on their roles, geographic proximity or fallout from the conflict.

Iran

As a primary belligerent, Iran faces severe impacts from Israeli airstrikes targeting its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, military infrastructure, and energy sites.

Iranian missile retaliations have strained its resources, with over 430 reported deaths and 3,500 injuries.

The conflict has disrupted its economy, oil exports, and domestic stability, with civilians fleeing cities like Tehran.

Israel

The other primary combatant, Israel, initiated the direct conflict with surprise attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military targets.

It has sustained damage from Iranian missile and drone strikes, with at least 25 deaths and hundreds injured. Cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa have been hit, and Israel’s air defences are heavily engaged.

The conflict has also strained its international relations with some Arab states.

The Houthi movement, an Iranian proxy, has actively participated by launching missiles at Israel in solidarity with Iran and the Palestinians.

The Houthis declared US strikes on their targets as a “declaration of war,” escalating their role. Their actions threaten Red Sea shipping, impacting global trade routes.

Lebanon

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, has been weakened but remains a potential actor in the conflict.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including the assassination of Hezbollah leaders, have reduced its capacity, but its involvement risks further destabilising Lebanon, already fragile from economic and political crises.

Syria

The fall of Bashar al-Assad, an Iranian ally, in 2024 weakened Iran’s regional influence, contributing to the conflict’s escalation.

Israel has conducted frequent strikes on Iranian and proxy targets in Syria, making it a battleground for proxy warfare. The conflict’s ripple effects exacerbate Syria’s instability.

Iraq

Iranian-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah operate in Iraq, occasionally plotting strikes on US bases in response to the conflict.

Iraq’s government is cautious, fearing entanglement in a broader war, but Israeli use of Iraqi airspace for strikes on Iran has raised tensions. Its delicate political balance is at risk.

United States

The US is deeply involved, providing defensive support to Israel by intercepting Iranian missiles and conducting strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22.

Its military presence in the region, including bases in Gulf states, makes it a potential target for Iranian retaliation, raising risks of wider escalation.

Meanwhile, the conflict’s broader regional impact, including possible disruptions to oil markets and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, also looms over Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though they are not primary actors. (Daily Sun)