By: Sean Markland

The conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has continued to grow in recent weeks. Military strikes and rising tensions have made the situation in the Middle East more dangerous. Many countries are watching closely because the conflict could affect the entire region. 

According to NPR, recent airstrikes have targeted Iranian military locations, including missile bases and storage sites. U.S. and Israeli leaders say these strikes are meant to weaken Iran’s military and stop it from developing stronger weapons. Iranian leaders, however, say the attacks are unfair especially on their residential buildings, and believe they have the right to defend their country and respond if necessary.

“Iran has been a threat to the U.S. and allies like Israel for years and they have repeatedly threatened attacks,” Bellbrook High School junior Jackson Bruckart said, “I would support a strike against their progress toward nuclear weapons if there is clear evidence they are close to developing them and if the strikes mainly target missile development sites. However, I don’t want this to turn into another long-term war like Afghanistan, so strikes should only happen when necessary.”

The fighting has also affected civilians living in nearby areas. Some strikes have damaged schools or other important infrastructure. A report from NPR said that in one recent attack, an all girls school building was hit during the fighting, leaving parts of the building destroyed and teachers and children dead.

“I find this situation annoying because President Trump said there would be ‘no new wars,'” another Bellbrook senior student said. “But now it seems like the U.S could get involved in another conflict in the Middle East. Even though I supported him before, this year has felt chaotic.” The student is worried about how the conflict could affect everyday Americans. “Conflicts in the Middle East often affect global oil supplies, which would raise gas prices and hurt the stock prices.” 

Many experts from NPR said, “The next steps taken by Iran, the United States, and Israel could determine whether the conflict calms down or becomes more serious. The world will continue to watch as leaders decide how to move forward.”