ELI5: What US planes bombed Iran in the war?

No US planes bombed Iran in the war.

Imagine you and your friend are having a big argument, like over a toy. Other kids might try to help one side or the other, but sometimes they don't actually hit anyone themselves. That's kind of like the war between Iran and Iraq a long time ago.

The United States was like one of those other kids watching the argument. They wanted Iraq to win, but they didn't actually send their planes to drop bombs on Iran. It's like giving your friend extra candy (support) but not throwing your own rocks (bombs).

Here's why it's important to understand this:

• It's like knowing who actually broke the window. You can't blame the wrong person!
• Even though the US didn't bomb Iran, they did other things that made Iran angry, like selling weapons to Iraq. It's like giving your friend a bigger stick to use in the argument.
• Knowing this helps us understand why Iran and the US don't always get along today. It's like remembering who helped who in the playground fight.