Iran Conflict: Common Terms Defined for Understanding the Situation

April 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Iran Conflict: Common Terms Defined for Understanding the Situation

US-Israel Conflict on Iran Enters Second Month

The conflict between the US and Israel targeting Iran has resulted in significant loss of life and disruptions to global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been restricted or threatened with closure by both parties.

Here are ten key terms used during the conflict, along with their meanings:

  1. Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
  2. Shahed drones: Low-cost, loitering munitions used by Iran to target Israel and Gulf countries.
  3. Tomahawk missile: A long-range, all-weather missile developed by the US, capable of striking targets from over 1,000 miles away.

Other terms used during the conflict include:

  1. Kamikaze drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles carrying an explosive payload, often launched in large swarms to overwhelm air defences.
  2. Loitering munitions: A type of drone that remains in the air for extended periods, waiting for targets to appear.
  3. Arabian Sea: A major body of water connecting the Indian Ocean to the Gulf of Oman.
  4. Persian language: The official language of Iran, also known as Farsi.

Historical and cultural context:

  1. Kingdom of Hormuz: A minor state in the medieval period, believed to be a wealthy maritime kingdom centred around the present-day Strait of Hormuz.
  2. Zoroastrianism: An ancient Persian religion, with the supreme deity Ahura Mazda meaning “Wise Lord” or “Lord of Wisdom”.
  3. Minab: A city in Iran known for its agricultural landscape and citrus fruits, with an uncertain origin of its name.

These terms provide insight into the conflict’s historical, cultural, and geographical context.

Source: Al Jazeera