Tensions across the Middle East, recently rose to worrying highs.  It started on 1 April, when Israel launched an attack on Iran's consulate building in the Syria capital of Damascus. Iran responded to this by firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. In turn, Israel conducted strikes in Iran.  Voices from abroad, desperately called for calm, as fears grew that the region was about to be plunged into a regional conflict.  This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the recent Iranian strike against Israel and Israel's response.  What did Iran hope to achieve, and were they successful? Why did Arab nations take part in the defence of Iran? What did Israel want to achieve in Iran, and why was their response so muted? How close did the region come to war, and has the threat now passed? Joining us to discuss this and more, we speak with Merissa Khurma (@MerissaKhurma). Merissa Khurma is the program director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center (@WilsonCenterMEP). And, Trita Parsi (@tparsi), the Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute (@QuincyInst), and author of Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy. And finally, Hamidreza Aziz (@HamidRezaAz), a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International Security Affairs (@SWPBerlin) in Berlin.  This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).  Theme music by Omar al-Fil.  To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.