Massive Attacks on Iran: Tehran Paralyzed, Humanitarian Crisis, and Global Market Anxiety

The situation in Iran is rapidly deteriorating following intense military operations by Israeli and U.S. forces. Tehran has become the target of unprecedented bombing, forcing civilians to hide in shelters. Residents of the capital describe an atmosphere of pervasive fear, and media reports indicate mass panic buying of food and fuel. Despite the scale of destruction, no public protests against the authorities have been reported in the city, which is interpreted as a result of shock and strict internal control. Iran's diplomatic service at the UN categorically denies seeking regional escalation, while also rejecting reports of contact with Washington regarding peace talks. Israel, meanwhile, is expanding the scope of its operations, trying to downplay the narrative of a prolonged, exhausting war, even though the situation on the ground suggests the opposite. Relations between Iran and Israel have been hostile since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, when Tehran severed diplomatic relations, recognizing the Jewish state as an illegal entity occupying Muslim lands. The effects of the conflict extend far beyond Iran's borders, impacting global supply chains and energy security. China has officially called for an end to the attacks, fearing for its oil supply sources, which are crucial for its economy. European Union countries are warning of the specter of a giant wave of migration that could surpass crises of previous years. Meanwhile, Russia is watching developments with growing concern, predicting that Western military involvement in Iran could weaken support for Ukraine, particularly in the area of air defense systems. A high alert level is in place in the Persian Gulf region; numerous sporting events have been suspended, including ATP tennis tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, and global media are tracking every move of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains in Saudi Arabia despite evacuation rumors. „Iran has not contacted US about possible peace talks.” — Iran's representative at the UN The crisis directly affects thousands of foreigners and specialists. Israel had to initiate sea transport to repatriate doctors stranded abroad due to the suspension of commercial flights. Meanwhile, Afghan citizens are fleeing Iranian cities en masse, trying to return to their homeland before borders are completely closed. India and other Asian powers express "deep concern" about developments in the Gulf region, pointing to the threat to millions of their citizens working in the Middle East. Uncertainty about the duration of the conflict is causing airlines to avoid the region's airspace, drastically increasing travel times and raising transport costs, hitting European interests on multiple fronts.