2025 Global conflicts: From Russia-Ukraine to Israel-Iran-US, a quick take on wars and flashpoints shaping the world

Moscow’s core demand has been halting NATO’s eastward expansion. The conflict originally began in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea.

The Iran-Israel air war erupted on June 13, 2025, after Israel struck Iranian targets, citing fears of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions a claim Iran denies.

Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons and has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring similar capabilities. The region remains on edge.

After the US airstrikes, Iran has promised a stronger response, hinting at coordinated attacks through its regional allies. As global leaders urge restraint, the threat of wider war looms.

- China has long claimed Taiwan as its own. Xi Jinping has renewed efforts to achieve what Mao Zedong couldn’t — reunify Taiwan with the mainland.

- Taiwan hopes that if China invades, the world will impose sanctions similar to those against Russia, aiming to deter Beijing’s aggression.

Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war. Ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army continue to fight for autonomy.

The Sudanese civil war, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million. The RSF and army control different regions.

- Houthi rebels resumed Red Sea shipping attacks in support of Gaza, prompting U.S. airstrikes under President Donald Trump that killed 24 militants.

- With the Israel-Iran conflict intensifying, there are concerns that Houthis may escalate attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea, widening the regional war.