World War III? Geopolitical Tensions Of US-Iran

World War III, a joke spreading across social media such as Facebook, but not a laughing matter for Iran after their military commander, Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated in an air raid in Baghdad under the order of the US. The assassination occurred on January 3 had since escalated tensions that were already placed between the US and Iran.  

The conflict started with a rocket attack near Iraq’s military base, which resulted in the death of a US civilian contractor while injuring several others. US President Donald Trump, later on, ordered a ‘precision defense strikes’ in Iraq and Syria against an Iranian-backed militia group, causing a two-day protest and attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad. 

Things got out of hand quickly, with the US deploying troops to the Middle East while ordering the airstrike which resulted in the death of Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (Deputy Commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces) and several others, drawing condemnation from international leaders who fear that tensions could escalate drastically.

Iranians took Soleimani’s death as a grave threat towards their country, while Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a harsh retaliation would be carried out on the US. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Twitter, also called the US move as an act of international terrorism and that the US will bear responsibility for all consequences. 

President Trump, however, is aware of the threats and political unrest resulted from the killing of Solemani but reiterated that the US would not hesitate to hit 52 Iranian sites’ very hard’ if Iran were to attack any US citizens or assets. 

Escalating geopolitical tensions had since sent investors diving into safe-haven assets, with precious gold breaking to its highest level in almost seven years, testing $1,600, whereas oil price surging to its highest level since April 2019 above the $65 handle. However, investors decided to take quick profit, creating a retreat as the market await for clear direction and consequences to come after confirmation of recent Iranian missiles airstrike to Iraq airbase that is housing military US forces. 

Would Mr. Trump address this situation accordingly? Iran informed that no further actions would be taken if the US doesn’t strike back. However, the noise of drums war is getting louder as breaking news on intense military jet activity above Iraq capital is being reported.