US‑Iran war escalates as Israel urges America to fight alone

The United States and Iran have entered a direct military confrontation, with Israel choosing to stay out of the fighting. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said the current situation, in which the United States bears the combat burden, is "the best for us" and warned that weakening Iran's economy could lead to regime collapse.

U.S. officials have faced criticism over the alliance: Congressman Ro Khanna was detained by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and Vice President JD Vance publicly accused elements of the Israeli government of undermining peace talks. Meanwhile, the conflict’s psychological impact is spreading worldwide, prompting rises in anxiety, trauma and stress among populations in the Middle East and abroad.

In Iran, civilians are coping through cultural expression and public gatherings, using art, music and memes to sustain community morale despite missile strikes and economic hardship. The war’s broader ramifications are being felt in politics, security and public health across the United States, Israel and Iran.