The United States and Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran on Saturday, February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunging the Middle East into a severe crisis Now in its fifth day, the conflict has triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran against US and allied interests across the region, causing significant disruption to global air travel while altering the strategic landscape
Iran responded with attacks on US military bases in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries Tehran’s foreign minister claimed its strikes were aimed at US interests, not Qatar, but Doha “categorically rejected” this assertion A drone strike also hit the British Royal Air Force base Akrotiri in Cyprus In response, the United Kingdom is deploying the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, and two Wildcat helicopters to aid "defensive operations" in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the warship expected to set sail next week
Internally, Iran is grappling with an abrupt succession. An interim three-member council was established to manage state affairs, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a hardline cleric seen as a central figure in the wartime leadership
The humanitarian and economic consequences are escalating. Terrified civilians and foreign nationals are fleeing Iran, describing intense and continuous air raids on major cities, including Tehran and Tabriz The conflict forced the closure of major air hubs like Dubai International Airport, which has only recently resumed limited operations, stranding international travellers The war's ripple effects are also being felt in Ukraine, as the disruption to Gulf energy supplies and resulting rise in oil prices could strengthen Russia's ability to finance its own war effort
Mohsin Rana
