Amidst ongoing military strikes in Iran and Israel, two prominent figures are at the forefront of a situation that is rapidly intensifying towards a full-blown war.
Hundreds of airstrikes have hit both countries this week, resulting in casualties and uncertainty among residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with their starkly different political backgrounds, are the key players in this escalating conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu: A Long-Standing Concern for Iran's Nuclear Capabilities
For Netanyahu, the threat of Iran's nuclear capabilities has been a persistent concern for Israel for many years.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Netanyahu's political career began in the 1980s, eventually leading him to become Israel's Prime Minister in 1996.
Throughout his tenure, he has emphasized the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran and has been re-elected multiple times, with the latest victory in 2022.
Analysts view his current campaign against Iran's nuclear program as a defining moment in his political career.
Ali Khamenei: The Long-Standing Supreme Leader of Iran
Ali Khamenei, who took over as Iran's Supreme Leader in 1989, has been a prominent figure in Iranian politics for decades.
Following the Iranian Revolution, Khamenei has maintained a strong anti-Western stance, particularly towards the US.
His leadership has been marked by a firm resistance to pressure from Western nations, advocating for Iran's sovereignty and security.
Donald Trump's Involvement in the Conflict
Former US President Donald Trump's decisions, including withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and ordering the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, have contributed to the current tensions.
Trump's administration has been supportive of Israel's actions while also attempting to navigate a delicate balance in the conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, the involvement of these key political figures underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East.
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation