World War

The Iran-Israel conflict has escalated significantly, sparking fears of a potential World War 3. Here's a breakdown of the situation:

*Current Conflict*

The conflict began when Israel launched a large-scale assault on Iran's military and nuclear facilities, code-named "Operation Rising Lion." Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3," firing drones and missiles at key Israeli energy and fuel infrastructure. The US recently joined Israel's offensive, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in an operation dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer".¹

*Global Reactions*

- *US*: President Donald Trump announced the air strikes, claiming they had "obliterated" Tehran's key nuclear infrastructure. However, he also expressed interest in pursuing diplomatic solutions.

- *Iran*: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that US involvement would be "very, very dangerous for everyone" and vowed retaliation.

- *Russia*: Criticized the US strikes, saying they "opened a Pandora's box" that could be catastrophic for global security.

- *European Union*: Called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations, urging Iran to resume nuclear talks.

- *India*: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iran's President, expressing deep concern over the escalations and calling for immediate de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.² ³

*Potential Consequences*

- *Global Economic Impact*: Oil prices have risen, with Brent crude increasing by almost 3%. The conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, especially if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz.

- *Regional Instability*: The conflict has already led to significant instability in the Middle East, with potential for further escalation.

- *Nuclear Concerns*: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, raising concerns about nuclear safety and potential radioactive leaks.

*World War 3 Fears*

While it's difficult to predict the outbreak of a global war, experts warn that Iran's potential actions, such as attacking US assets or closing the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to a wider conflict. The involvement of major world powers, including the US and Russia, adds to the complexity and risks.⁴