The Middle East is currently experiencing a profound military escalation following a massive, coordinated campaign by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets that began on February 28, 2026. This operation, which has reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, involved strikes on over 2,000 locations, including critical nuclear and military infrastructure. In response, Iran and its proxies have launched extensive retaliatory strikes across the region, impacting civilian areas in Israel and targeting U.S. assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. This conflict has triggered a severe global impact, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the cancellation of major international flights, and a sharp surge in global oil prices to $82 a barrel.
