War Beyond Revenge: A Power Clash Driving Globalization into Crisis
Middle East has entered one of the most perilous phases in its modern history. The final days of February 2026 may be remembered as a defining turning point, following joint US–Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior commander Ali Shamkhani, and top IRGC officials. This unprecedented decapitation strike shattered Iran’s leadership structure and transformed long-standing proxy tensions into a direct and overt confrontation.
Within 48 hours, Tehran launched what it called a historic retaliatory campaign, described domestically as “Operation Revenge.” Iranian authorities claimed that more than 663 ballistic missiles and armed drones were fired simultaneously at American and Israeli military facilities across at least 27 locations in the Middle East. Targets reportedly included air-defense installations, naval bases, logistics hubs, and regional command centers.
