𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Welcome to an exclusive Ask Me Anything session with me, Sam Kiley, The Independent’s world affairs editor.

Keep scrolling for more. If you want to jump straight to the Q&A, click here.

With Tel Aviv under direct missile fire, nuclear sites in Iran under American bombardment, and oil prices spiking worldwide, the Middle East stands on the brink of a profound transformation – or prolonged devastation.

In my latest reporting from the region, I spoke with Israelis whose homes have been destroyed by Iranian attacks, only to find themselves grappling with the same uncertainty and fear that so many in Iran and Gaza have long endured.

Now, after days of escalating violence, a ceasefire is in place. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this morning that Israel has agreed to a Donald Trump-brokered truce with Iran.

The deal came after Iran hit a US base in Qatar, following American strikes on its nuclear sites. Trump reportedly secured the ceasefire in a call with Netanyahu, with Israel agreeing as long as Iran holds back.

But the calm is fragile. Hours before the truce began, Iran fired missiles into Israel, killing four in Beersheba.

As Netanyahu hails the US strikes and Tehran warns of “everlasting consequences,” the question now is: are we witnessing the early days of a forever war – or the first fragile step toward de-escalation?

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has threatened more strikes. The region remains on edge. And behind it all looms the real possibility of regime change, global economic shock, and an uncontainable proxy war.

So, what next for Iran, Israel, and the wider region? How far will the US go? And what does this mean for the global balance of power?

If you have a question, submit it now or join me live for our Ask Me Anything event on Thursday, 26 June at 12pm BST.

Register to submit your question in the comments box under this article. If you’re not already a member, click “sign up” in the comments section to leave your question. For a full guide on how to comment click here.