US and Israel Strike Iran for Fourth Day; Trump Says Iran's Air Defenses 'No Longer Exist
The United States and Israel have conducted airstrikes against Iran for four consecutive days, targeting Iranian military and defense infrastructure. The strikes have significantly degraded Iran's air defense systems, according to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Iran's air defenses are "no longer existent." In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, escalating the conflict. The attacks mark a major escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, with potential for broader regional war. No official statements from current U.S. or Israeli governments have been released confirming the extent of damage or casualties. The situation remains fluid, with international calls for de-escalation.
Global Impact
This conflict has immediate economic consequences: oil prices are likely to surge, disrupting global supply chains and raising inflation expectations, potentially delaying central bank rate cuts. Politically, the strikes deepen U.S.-Iran hostility and may fracture the fragile Middle East détente, pushing Gulf states to reassess security alliances.