The Associated Press has begun using the word 'war' to describe the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's subsequent retaliation, citing the scope and intensity of the fighting. The decision reflects the scale of attacks, which included the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials, as well as Iran's missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. forces.
According to AP editors, the Merriam-Webster definition of war—'a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations'—applies even though no formal declaration has been made. The U.S. and Israeli attacks, combined with Iran's response, meet these criteria, and President Donald Trump has himself used the term 'war' to describe the conflict.
AP previously issued similar guidance for the June 2025 attacks on Iran by Israel, which lasted 12 days and significantly weakened Iran's air defences and nuclear programme. The news agency also began using 'war' for the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts in the days and weeks after fighting began, based on factors such as casualties, intensity, and the language used by the parties involved.
AP capitalises 'war' only as part of a formal name, which does not currently exist. Editors will continue to monitor developments and may adjust language as needed. Even if fighting ends soon, AP will maintain that the countries have been at war.
