EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis) This is probably the best overview of the US-Israel war against Iran – which already turns quickly into a disaster…. Alastair Crooke is unsurpassed in his analysis to Jusge Napolitano…
Pre-planned war, not spontaneous: Crooke argues the decision to launch the war was made in late December at Mar-a-Lago, with the timing reportedly set in advance. Negotiations with Iran were, in his view, a deliberate deception.
Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader: The killing of Iran’s senior religious leader is described as a strategic miscalculation that transformed him into a martyr, igniting widespread outrage inside Iran and across the Shiite world.
Regional escalation underway: Attacks have spread across Iraq, Bahrain, Pakistan, Dubai, Cyprus, and Israel. U.S. embassies and military bases are under pressure, and unrest is growing in several Gulf states.
Iran’s military resilience: Contrary to expectations of rapid collapse, Iran’s air defenses remain operational, drones have been shot down, and missile strikes continue. Israel and Gulf states are reportedly depleting interceptor missile supplies.
No clear U.S. legal justification: Crooke contends the Trump administration has not demonstrated any imminent threat to the United States, framing the attack instead as punitive rather than defensive.
Broader geopolitical motive: The conflict is portrayed as part of a larger struggle to preserve U.S. dollar hegemony and counter the BRICS bloc (China, Russia, Iran), tying military power to financial dominance.
Economic fallout emerging: Oil and gas prices are rising sharply, Gulf financial centers are destabilized, and global markets face potential shock as regional energy infrastructure comes under attack.
Limited U.S. exit strategy: Crooke suggests Washington and Israel may lack a clear path to victory or de-escalation, particularly as Iran expands attacks on U.S. bases and regional allies.
Russia and China’s quiet support: Assistance to Iran is described as indirect but significant, including satellite targeting, radar systems, and advanced defensive coordination.
Overall, Crooke characterizes the war as a catastrophic miscalculation that risks spiraling into a broader regional conflict with major geopolitical and economic consequences.
This is a gem of an article. It provides an orderly account of exactly what went down. Thank you, Helleniscope, for providing analysis by Alastair Crooke and Judge Napolitano.