HOW THE BOMBING OF IRAN SENT SHOCKWAVES AROUND THE WORLD
Two weeks in, and the consequences of Operation Epic Fury are being felt around the world.
A campaign to rid Iran of its ballistic missiles, navy and any lingering ambitions to develop a nuclear weapon has triggered a crisis which threatens regional stability and the global economy.
Despite a devastating air assault, the Iranian regime is still in place, lashing out in new and dangerous ways.
The Middle East is being shaken by the continuing fallout from what US President Donald Trump has described as a “short-term excursion”.
For the Iranian people, urged by Trump to “take over your government”, these are deeply traumatic times.
Iran – enduring power in a volatile region
Iran presents particular challenges. It is far bigger than neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan combined – two countries where US intervention was messy and lasted years.
Its military assets, such as parts of its nuclear programme, are dispersed across a huge country, sometimes buried deep in mountain bunkers.
Its population of more than 90 million is diverse – half Persian but with a multitude of minorities, including Azerbaijanis, Kurds and Arabs.
Its Islamic regime, in power since 1979, is deeply entrenched, ideologically motivated and well-organised.
Despite four previous attacks by Israel since April 2024, and one by the US, its grip on power was horrifically demonstrated in January when it brutally suppressed a wave of popular protests.
