"Today Iran will be hit very hard!"

The war launched against Iran by the United States–Israel duo has entered its first week. Despite overwhelming firepower, Iran expanded the conflict and destroyed seven U.S. radar bases. Markets remain moderate but Gulf oil and LNG production is disrupted, raising economic risks.

The preemptive attacks on Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure by Trump and Netanyahu have reshaped regional dynamics. Israel aims to remove threats, Iran seeks survival, Gulf states balance security with economic goals, and Trump pursues political advantage.

Türkiye, strategic location, a professional army of over 400,000 rapidly expanding defence industries, and a growing autonomous military capability, is converging with the UK on defence and national security as both face Russia’s war in Ukraine and uncertainty over US commitment.

Over the past year, Iran has exposed both the reach and the limits of U.S. power: from “shock and awe” strikes that made Tehran blink, to Washington’s muted response as an existential uprising was crushed, revealing Trump’s preference for easy wins over costly confrontations.

After recent events in Venezuela, Trump’s attention appears to have shifted to Greenland, with his team reportedly exploring ways to acquire it from Denmark, a move confirmed by the White House in early January.

The failed Moscow trip by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner shows Trump’s Ukraine peace plan is faltering from the start. According to Timothy Ash, Witkoff’s inexperience, perceived Kremlin closeness, and distrust in Kyiv and Europe cast doubt on the plan’s viability.