Israel's attack on Iran has deepened the war in the Middle East, leaving Iran's leadership with a series of difficult choices. Iran must decide whether to retaliate with missile strikes, risking further escalation, or refrain from responding, which could make it appear weak. The stakes are high, as Iran seeks to maintain the survival of its Islamic regime. The conflict has evolved from Iran's use of proxies to attack Israel, to Israel's direct strikes on Iranian assets, including in Syria and Lebanon. The U.S. has backed Israel, providing military support, while urging restraint to avoid a spiraling conflict. The upcoming U.S. elections could impact how the situation unfolds, as a potential Trump victory may embolden a more aggressive response from Iran.