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ConflictsIran

Middle East fears Iran-Israel fighting could become new norm

Aaron Tilton
June 9, 2026

Israel and Iran have stepped back from the brink — for now. What was behind the latest flare-up? And what does it reveal about a pattern of escalation and restraint? Middle East analyst Sina Azodi breaks it down for DW.

https://p.dw.com/p/5F3sa

Israel and Iran are calibrating their responses to avoid escalation, while still signaling deterrence — Iran to demonstrate its threats are credible, and Israel to resist any shift in the strategic "equation," Middle East analyst Sina Azodi says.

After exchanging fire, the governments agreed to pause military operations on Monday, but each has warned that it would strike again if provoked.