The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate as President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military will carry out what he called “large scale” operations in Iran. The President says the strikes are aimed at eliminating what he described as grave threats posed by the Iranian government.
According to the administration, the military action is focused on stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limiting its growing ballistic missile program. However, the conflict is already taking a serious toll.
So far, six American service members have been killed. Iran’s Red Crescent reports that nearly 800 people have died in strikes carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces. The growing casualties are raising global concern about how far this conflict could spread.
The war is also beginning to affect the global economy. Oil prices are rising quickly as the fighting threatens key shipping lanes in the Middle East. One of the most important areas is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway where a large portion of the world’s oil supply travels.
To protect oil shipments, President Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to escort tankers through the strait.
Meanwhile, tensions are also rising between the U.S. and Spain. The President is now threatening to end trade relations with Spain after the country refused to allow U.S. forces to use its military bases for the Iran operation.