In an exorbitant ramp up, United States has unleashed a massive air attack on Iranian nuclear sites. The Fordow nuclear centre by firing 30,000 pounds of bunker buster bombs at the same. It is a move to support Israel that attacked Iran earlier this month. It is the largest Western attack on Islamic republic ever since the Iranian revolution of 1979. With the world in suspense of what Iran will respond, the fear about possible regional and global consequences is on the increase.
Iran Promises to Strike Back
The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted that the country would respond, and it would not go back to the negotiations until it does. He condemned America as having acted with impunity by violating the international law since Washington can only communicate with a language of threat and force. Although Iran does not yet directly attack the assets of the U.S. The general feeling is that it would soon and this may include cyberattacks and military action as well as retaliation through economic means.
Make Iran Great Again or Change the Regime Out
President Donald Trump has hinted that he could bring regime change, should the Iranian leadership resist the idea of having the country become great again. Even though the representatives of the U.S. defense agencies denied the possibility of the regime change in public. The words of the president poured oil onto the fire of geopolitics. Trump praised the bombing as a spectacular military success and urged Iran to make peace or suffer still larger repercussions.
Fordow Strike
Fordow nuclear plant located in the heart of a mountain has been regarded as one of the strongest fortified plants in Iran. Close to the site, satellite images reveal high traffic in and out of the area before and after the strike using Maxar technologies. Although the U.S. is asserting that the site has been totally destroyed. It has been noted by professionals with the IAEA that verification is yet to be done to establish the level of destruction. Iran on the other hand holds that majority of the enriched uranium was relocated prior to the bombing.
Cutthroat Missile War by Iran and Israel
The tit-fortat missile war between Iran and Israel is not about to end. Israeli fighter aircraft attacked and raided various military installments in western part of the Iranian country, in its turn. Iran attacked with its missiles, destroying buildings and injuring dozens in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, has declared that Israel is days away in eradicating. What it has termed as the existential threats, i.e, the Iran missiles and nuclear projects. Israeli air raid sirens sound everyday as it signals citizens to seek cover.
Domestic and Global Fall Out
After the attack, the U.S. department of homeland security issued a report that indicated a growing risk of violence and cyberattack. The U.S. cities have increased the surveillance particularly at the cultural and religious centers. The U.S State department advised citizens abroad to avoid going to the country because of probable demonstrations and interrupted travel. The threat of that occurs as retaliatory attacks on American facilities is huge, and it leads to the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear sweeping the whole world.
Ripples of Economics
The parliament in Iran has voted to shut down Strait of horizons- a major oil transportation channel in the world. The move has yet to pass the final vote of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. But simply its threat has managed to put oil prices up. Brent crude increased by 3.20 dollar to 80.28 U.S. dollar per barrel and U.S. increased to 76.73 U.S. dollar per barrel. The straining of the straight would have a terrible effect on the oil resources in the world. As well as leading the world economy to a recession which is one of the potent weapons that Iran has in the conflict raging.
Diverging Agendas
Although there was a combined force on the war front, it is evident that the U.S and Israel had long-term objectives that were different. Whereas Israel is upfront in discussing the option of destroying Iranian regime. The U.S still keeps its agenda on destroying nuclear threats only. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was a precision operation and was a decision made by the president. That did not aim at regime change. The discrepancy might influence the future course of action of the two states in the next few weeks in case Iran lashes out in retaliation.
Civilian casualties and Rising Peace Movement
The loss of human life will already be high. Iran officials say more than 400 civilians have been killed since Israeli strikes started many of them in their own homes. Israeli cities like Tel Aviv have been the victims too and the toll of death in Iranian missile attacks has been at least 24. With the spread of violence, anti-war protests are flaring in some cities such as New York and Washington. Aiming in calling to an end of the war actions and a resurgence of diplomatic efforts.
Conclusion
The advances of the military confrontation between the U.S., Israel and Iran is a threatening twist to the Middle East politics. As nuclear installations are targeted, oil routes to the region cases threatened. As well as the lives of civilians being put on the line, there is a dire need that the world restores order. With the U.N Security Council demanding an open conclusion of battles. A lot is likely to depend on the next step Iran will take. Everyone in the world is keeping a close eye on the situation. Because one counterattack can result in the further escalation of a conflict that will be even more disastrous. It is not the way of bombs, it is bravery in diplomacy. Which is the way to go, or maybe it is already too late.
