As the US and Israel launched a comprehensive military operation against Iran, the Tehran regime responded with retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Tensions in the region escalated rapidly, with reciprocal statements and attacks pushing the Middle East to the brink of a large-scale conflict.
US and Israeli forces launched simultaneous attacks on Iran. Israel stated that the operations targeted Iran’s religious leader, president, and armed forces commander. US sources indicated that the attacks could continue for several more days.
US President Donald Trump described the ongoing military campaign as “large and ongoing,” warning that American soldiers could lose their lives. Trump also called on the Iranian people to “take over your government,” sending a message of regime change.
According to Reuters (RTRS), the Israeli attacks reportedly killed the Iranian Defense Minister and a commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). There has been no official confirmation from Iran yet.
Iran has launched its largest-ever wave of attacks against Israeli and US targets. Explosions have been reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. Airspace over Dubai has been temporarily closed, and all landings and takeoffs have been suspended.
The Tehran regime signaled that the attacks could continue, stating that US bases and Israeli-linked targets in the region were priorities.
The timing of the attacks was noteworthy. The fact that the operation was carried out in the morning hours instead of at night, and that positive signals had recently emerged from diplomatic contacts, is being interpreted as a tactical move aimed at catching the Iranian regime off guard.
It is also noteworthy that the operation was carried out on Saturday morning, the first working day of the week in Iran.
Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, described the current conflict as “a historic moment with numerous challenges” in an interview with CNN. He stated that regional countries have failed to ensure stability and called for a return to political processes instead of military conflict.
Gargash stated that although the UAE was targeted by Iran, it was unclear how the war would unfold, adding that Iran’s nuclear and missile programs posed a threat to regional stability, but these issues should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, not military ones.
Gargash also stated that the UAE had not received any official notification prior to the operation, but they had anticipated such a development based on the progress of US-Iran negotiations.
While some US allies have expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict, several Arab countries have condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks. The impact on energy markets and global transportation routes is being closely monitored.
*This is not investment advice.
