On Saturday, at 2:44 a.m. in Mar-a-Lago (8:44 a.m. in Paris, 11:14 a.m. in Tehran), Donald Trump posted an eight-minute video announcing a massive attack against Iran, intended to put an end to the 47-year rule of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the midst of a diplomatic process - after three rounds of talks and another scheduled for next week - the US and Israeli militaries ultimately decided to launch, this weekend, a wave of bombings that is expected to last several days, according to a US official.
The attack comes after several weeks of tensions, marked by frustrations during negotiations and the strengthening of US military capabilities in the region, with the largest deployment since 2003 and the Iraq war.
In a grave tone, his "USA" cap pulled low over his eyes, the POTUS justified the need for the operation. He cited the terror the regime exerts over its population, the financing of terrorism in the region, and Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
He also addressed the Iranian people: "When we are done, take control of your government; it will be up to you to do it".
Donald Trump also said he expects possible US casualties. At this stage, the strikes are air raids targeting government, military and intelligence sites. There is, for now, no information indicating ground troops.
The start date of Operation "Epic Fury" had been planned for weeks; its outcome is far more uncertain. An Iranian response is expected: Tehran has already fired missiles toward Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Markets could wobble if Iran were to hit energy sites in the Gulf, or especially if it were to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for the transit of crude oil.
Israel describes the attack as a pre-emptive strike. For such an offensive to be carried out legally, an imminent and immediate threat is required. In this context, Iran's foreign minister urged the UN Security Council "to act immediately to address the violation of international peace and security due to the clear military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran". He also said that "the response of the Iranian nation will be decisive and will make the aggressors regret their criminal act".
You can follow developments minute by minute on the MarketScreener website.
