The conflict between the United States and Iran has reached a new level of military confrontation. Off the coast of Sri Lanka, a US submarine sank the Iranian frigate Iris Dena. Reports indicate that at least 80 crew members were killed in the attack. US President Donald Trump justified the sinking by saying he had to 'catch' the Iranian religious leader Ali Khamenei before he attacked the USA. Meanwhile, Israel announced that it would also target potential successors to Khamenei.
The security situation in the region remains critical. NATO assumes that Turkey has been targeted by Iranian rocket fire, which could trigger discussions about the casus foederis (a situation justifying military alliance support). Furthermore, shipping traffic in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has largely come to a standstill. The volume of oil tankers is said to have dropped by about 90 percent there after merchant ships were repeatedly attacked. This is leading to global concerns about a massive price shock for energy.
International pressure for a diplomatic solution is growing. While European powers such as Great Britain and France are already showing a military presence, speculation is growing about a possible deal between Trump and the Chinese leadership under Xi Jinping to end the oil crisis. At the same time, EU Commissioners are warning against a new wave of refugees resulting from the acts of war. In the USA, there is also debate about the extent to which Congress can limit the President's military powers in this conflict.
