US-Israel strikes on Iran trigger regional war and global jitters

A massive joint US-Israeli air campaign against Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has ignited a fast‑escalating regional conflict marked by Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Gulf states and Western assets, including a British base in Cyprus and strikes reaching Lebanon. Washington, its Gulf partners, and European governments are repositioning forces and planning civilian evacuations as airspace closures, border pressures, and direct attacks rattle regional security architectures. Global actors from China to the UN, IMF, and major financial institutions are warning of severe energy, shipping, and market disruptions, while analysts debate Iran’s uncertain leadership transition and the risk that Operation Epic Fury/Lion’s Roar could evolve into a protracted, system-shaking Middle East war.