Fears of an escalating situation in the Middle East have grown in recent days after Iran threatened to attack Israel.
But how is Iran involved in the conflict – and why is it threatening to attack Israel?
Firstly, Iran is the biggest backer of Hamas, having provided weapons and training to the militant group in previous years.
It also backs Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen – both of which have been involved in attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza erupted last year.
Historically, Israel and Iran have been arch enemies, with both countries allegedly behind a long series of attacks on each other’s interests.
Tensions between the two nations have been increasingly stretched since Israel entered Gaza following the 7 October Hamas attacks.
But, they became incredibly high last week after an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
That’s why Iran is threatening to attack Israel.
Two generals and seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were killed in the strike in Damascus, which Tehran has blamed on Israel.
The US military has said it also believes Israel was behind the attack.
However, Israel has not publicly commented on the airstrike.
Iran has been warned by the US not to use the embassy attack as a pretext to escalate the situation in the region.
