The joint offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran has opened a new phase of maximum tension in the Middle East. Massive bombings over the weekend killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameneiand they beheaded a good part of the regime’s military leadership, forcing Tehran to activate an interim council to pilot an unprecedented transition since 1989. In parallel, the US president, Donald Trump, has warned that The operation could last several weeks, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu anticipates an intensification of attacks in the coming days.
Iran, far from lowering its tone, has closed the door to any negotiations with Washington and has promised retaliation. The escalation has already extended beyond its borders: exchange of missiles with Israel, attacks on US bases in the Persian Gulf, impact of drones against British and French installations and a wave of bombings in Lebanon after the involvement of Hezbollah. Besides, Strait of Hormuz closure threatens to shake energy markets and has activated evacuations of foreign citizens in the region. The conflict thus enters a regional dimension with unforeseeable consequences for global stability.