The year 2025 brought several major conflicts that changed global security dynamics. Nations faced fast, intense escalations that pushed diplomacy to its limits.
Tensions rose sharply between India and Pakistan in May after India launched Operation Sindoor. The strikes answered a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan responded with counterstrikes. The confrontation lasted four days before both sides accepted a ceasefire.
In June, Israel opened a large offensive against Iran. The operation targeted nuclear and military sites across the country. The United States later joined the campaign and hit fortified nuclear assets. A ceasefire took effect on June 24 after strong US pressure.
A border clash between Thailand and Cambodia broke out in July. Fighting spread to multiple locations and displaced more than 300,000 civilians. ASEAN and the UN pushed both sides toward talks. Malaysia’s mediation helped secure a ceasefire on July 28.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan collapsed again in October. Pakistan struck Kabul after a TTP attack, and Afghanistan retaliated. Heavy casualties followed on both sides before a fragile truce began.
Conflict also surged in eastern Congo. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, captured Goma in January. A US-backed peace deal was signed later in the year, but clashes continued, and rebels held key territory.
