NATO air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile over the eastern Mediterranean, Turkish officials said on Wednesday The incident marks a significant development in a widening conflict, now in its fifth day, which began with a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran
The US-led campaign, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury", was launched on February 28 with strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation's goal was to degrade Iran's military capabilities and end its nuclear ambitions US forces, employing B-52 and B-1 bombers, have struck over 2,000 targets, achieving air dominance and inflicting significant damage on Iran's naval assets In response, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and across the Gulf
Internally, Iran has formed a three-member interim leadership council to manage state affairs and the succession process, with hardline cleric Alireza Arafi playing a central role Authorities postponed Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral, citing the need to prepare infrastructure for the large number of people expected to attend
The conflict's economic repercussions are spreading, with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz throttling energy supplies to Asia and causing major disruptions The fighting has also had ripple effects on the war in Ukraine, with soaring oil prices potentially strengthening Russia's budget Separately, the US has opened another military front, launching joint operations with Ecuadorian forces against drug trafficking organizations
Yasir Rai
