The United States has launched a military operation against Iran: possible consequences for Ukraine and world markets

The United States has announced the start of a military campaign against Iran. President Donald Trump said that the purpose of the operation is to neutralize the threats that Washington assesses to come from the current Iranian regime, as well as to protect US citizens and allies. He reported this in his publication on the social network Truth Social.

According to Trump, the decision to launch the campaign was made in connection with the need to eliminate “imminent threats”. He called the Iranian leadership a “violent group of people”, whose activities, in his opinion, pose a danger to the US military, foreign bases and US partners around the world. In an eight-minute address, the president emphasized that for 47 years the Iranian regime had allegedly carried out a campaign of violence against Americans and civilians in various countries.

In response, Iran launched a missile attack in the direction of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reported that air defense systems were in operation and urged the population to urgently take shelter.

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets — The Times of Israel and Channel 12 — citing sources reported the possible death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Mohammad Pakpour, as a result of the morning strikes on February 28. According to them, there are indications that Khamenei may have been killed, although earlier it was reported only that he was wounded. There is currently no official confirmation of this information. Channel 12 also claims “very significant damage” to the regime’s leadership and military command of Iran, and expects Khamenei’s address, which could have been recorded in advance.

The escalation of the conflict has already had an impact on global energy markets. According to The Times of Israel, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz — a key artery for transporting Middle Eastern oil. Against this background, Brent crude oil prices reached a seven-month high.

At the same time, as the Financial Times reports, citing analysts, the escalation in the Middle East may affect military support for Ukraine. The United States has already begun to deploy interceptor missiles to the region to protect its bases and Israel from potential Iranian strikes, which may limit the supply of air defense systems to Kyiv.

Separate targets of American strikes were facilities for the production of ballistic missiles and drones. Given that Iran is a key supplier of drones and missiles to Russia, the weakening of its defense industry could potentially reduce the Russian Federation's ability to carry out massive attacks on Ukraine. Kyiv Post analysts note that the fall or significant weakening of the Iranian regime would deprive Vladimir Putin of a strategic partner and change the balance of power in Eastern Europe.

Amid the worsening situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommended that citizens refrain from traveling to Israel and Iran. Ukrainians who are in the countries of the region are advised to remain vigilant, monitor messages from local authorities, strictly observe security measures, and always carry identification documents with them.