Escalation of Conflict with Iran: Drone Attacks on US Bases and Market Shocks

The armed conflict with Iran has entered its second day of intense operations, and the military situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable. A key turning point was the successful attack by an Iranian drone on a United States naval base, which undermined previous beliefs about the impenetrability of air defense systems in the region. President Donald Trump, commenting on current events, warned the public that the military operation could last many weeks, suggesting preparations for a broader campaign rather than pinpoint surgical strikes. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has officially announced full confrontation with US and Israeli forces, threatening to open another front on the border with Lebanon. The international response remains divided, though concern for global economic stability dominates. Japan condemned Iran's nuclear program while remaining restrained in its assessment of US attacks, whereas Australia categorically ruled out direct military involvement in the conflict. China, through its experts, warns of opening a "Pandora's box" that could destabilize the entire security system in Eurasia. In the United States, the situation is causing political tensions – the administration is planning special briefings for the entire Congress, and the Democratic Party is grappling with internal division over support for the escalation of hostilities. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, relations between Washington and Tehran have been based on permanent hostility, interrupted only by a brief period of détente after the signing of the nuclear deal in 2015, from which the US withdrew three years later. Financial markets reacted to the war reports in a textbook manner for periods of great uncertainty. Investors are massively fleeing to safe havens, driving up the prices of gold and silver. Meanwhile, the Japanese Nikkei index lost over 1500 points in a single session, and shares of Australian airline Qantas plunged over 10% due to concerns about aviation fuel prices and route safety. Russia has begun evacuating its citizens from Iranian territory via Azerbaijan, which is interpreted as a signal of expected further escalation and possible strikes on logistical centers. „Iran made a mistake for which it will pay dearly. This won't end in one day, it could last weeks.” — Donald Trump In cities like New York, the terrorist threat level has been raised, and police have increased presence at facilities associated with Israeli and US diplomacy. However, public opinion polls indicate American skepticism – only one-quarter of citizens support direct attacks on targets in Iran. The situation remains critical, and the world's eyes are on the UN Security Council, whose session is to be chaired by Melania Trump, an unprecedented event in the history of American diplomacy.