Regional war between Israel and Iran and laws of war

Iran's theocratic leadership promised the country's citizens security and prosperity – a weighty commitment to make in a region beset by war and deprivation. In many respects, Iran's leaders have failed to uphold this promise.

- DR. S. KRISHNAN

Tensions in the Middle East have already spilled over into Lebanon following the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrullah, and has the potential of engulfing the broader region, including Yemen, Iraq and Syria, in an all-out war. The massive Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran's retaliatory strikes - over 180 missiles descending on Tel Aviv - is widely being seen as an inflection point in the Middle East that has been on the boil since Israel invaded Gaza nearly a year ago. Tension in the Middle East has the potential of engulfing the broader region, including Yemen, Iraq and Syria, in an all-out war.

Over the course of the year since the Gaza war started, Iran and its proxies, called the "Axis of Resistance", and Israel and the United States have engaged in a cycle of tit-for-tat attacks across the region. The "Axis of Resistance" - Hamas, Hezbollah, the Syrian government, the Houthis of Yemen and armed groups in Syria and Iraq - have been a cornerstone of Iran's regional policy in keeping Israel in check.

IRAN'S RESPONSE TO ISRAEL'S EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING: A CHAIN REACTION

Iran directly attacking Israel after years of a shadow war is likely to set off a chain reaction along the complex web of alliances and rivalries across the Middle East. While some high-profile leaders like Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr have already been killed, there are other key players and actors who have stepped in as a regional war looms large.