The main questions now are how much the conflict will escalate and whether the United States will get more directly involved in the defense of Israel.

To understand why and how Israel’s devastating blow to Hezbollah is such a world-shaking threat to Iran, Russia, North Korea and even China, you have to put it in the context of the wider struggle that has replaced the Cold War as the framework of international relations today.

Tehran said the attack is in retaliation for the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.