Iran's 'Slippery' Tactics Leave US and Israeli Militaries Struggling
The escalation of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran is not only shaking the military battlefield but also triggering serious volatility in global markets. The uncertainty over the direction of the war and the potential for regional expansion is now a major factor pressuring the world economy.
Markets reacted sharply after US President Donald Trump stated that military operations against Iran would continue to intensify over the coming weeks, without providing clarity on when the conflict would end.
Oil prices surged sharply, breaking through $100 per barrel, while global stocks fell and the dollar strengthened. Investors responded to the uncertainty by avoiding risky assets and shifting to safer instruments.
“Markets are not getting certainty or additional clarity regarding the timeframe of the conflict,” said Jon Withaar from Pictet Asset Management, highlighting investor concerns over the potential for further escalation.
Strait of Hormuz Becomes Key Pressure Point
Tensions have intensified further because the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route, remains in uncertainty. This route is one of the world’s main arteries for oil distribution, particularly for Asian countries.
Although Trump stated that the route would open “naturally” after the war ends, markets see no indication that this will happen in the near term.
This uncertainty is sparking fears of prolonged energy supply disruptions, which could drive global inflation and slow economic growth.
Conflict Expands, Iran Changes Strategy
Amid military pressure, Iran and its allies are assessed to be adopting a strategy different from conventional warfare. Rather than directly confronting the military superiority of the US and Israel, Tehran is instead expanding the arena of conflict to various regions.
International relations expert Murad Sadygzade views this war as having evolved into a complex regional confrontation.
“What we are witnessing is no longer a limited clash, but a widening conflict in which Iran’s allies are beginning to engage directly,” he wrote.