It is generally agreed that this month has seen a significant escalation in long-standing Iran-Israel tensions. Both countries argue that their territory has been attacked in a manner that warrants and justifies direct retaliation. Both are threatening further escalation, notwithstanding other countries calling for calm.

Regardless of what happens next, many feel that a significant line has now been crossed in an unsettled part of the world that has experienced tremendous human tragedy, especially in the last six months. What some had deemed a relatively contained disequilibrium in the Middle East has now transitioned to a perilously unstable disequilibrium involving many parties.