The open conflict sparked by Israel’s sudden barrage of attacks against Iran’s nuclear and military structure shows no signs of abating on the seventh day of hostilities between the two longtime foes.

Israel and Iran have been enemies for decades — but this is their most sustained direct fighting ever. Here’s how a shadow war erupted into an overt conflict.

As the US considers whether or not to join Israeli strikes on Iran, a new balance of power is emerging in the Middle East – and it is tilting heavily in favour of Israel.