[Middle East\Western Asia\Iran]
Richard Thompson, Editorial Director at GlobalData: “The assassination of Qassem Suleimani by the US is a major escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran in the Gulf and it adds considerable new uncertainty to an already unstable region.”
Photo: Facebook
Around the world, tensions are rising following the news of today’s US drone strike on Baghdad airport that killed General Qassem Suleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force.
Richard Thompson, Editorial Director at GlobalData, offers his view on the implications of this escalating conflict:
“Suleimani’s killing increases fears of war in the region and of major disruption to regional oil supplies through military or cyber-attacks against oil facilities.
“Unlike the short-term spike in oil prices that we saw after the attacks against Saudi oil facilities in 2019, this is likely to add a security-risk premium to oil prices for the foreseeable future. Fears that Iranian reprisals will further destabilize the region and disrupt Middle East oil supplies saw oil prices jump about 4% following the news of Suleimani’s assassination.
“The assassination of Qassem Suleimani by the US is a major escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran in the Gulf and it adds considerable new uncertainty to an already unstable region. It is certain that Iran will strike back against US interests in the region and those of its allies.
“Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has described the killing as a criminal act and has promised retaliation. The question now is what will that retaliation look like and what will be the further consequences of that.“
California Congresswoman Barbara Lee today released the following statement after a US airstrike on Baghdad airport killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other Iranian officials:
“The airstrike and killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other senior Iranian military officials without Congressional authorization is a dangerous escalation of tensions with Iran that brings us close to the brink of war.
“Since day one, Trump and his war hawk administration have shunned diplomacy by ending the effective Iran nuclear deal, and have had no real strategy or plan to replace it.
“The Trump Administration has acted without any consultation with Congress or an authorization to use military force. It is beyond clear that Congress must act urgently to repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization of the Use of Military Force (AUMF). My amendment to repeal the 2002 AUMF was included in the House-passed FY2020 NDAA, but stripped by Republicans from the final bill.
“We must work to prevent further military action in the region. We have known for years that there is no military solution, and it’s past time to return to a diplomatic strategy with our allies. We must protect our national security, our brave troops, our allies, and the American people.”
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after the Pentagon confirmed that a U.S. strike killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport:
“The killing of Iranian General Soleimani invites even further escalation by a President who has a poor record of judgment in dealing with world powers.
“While President Obama successfully negotiated a nuclear arms agreement with Iran that included Russia and China, President Trump walked away from the agreement and promised confrontation with Iran. Now Iraq – a country where America has invested thousands of American lives and trillions of taxpayer dollars – has sided with Iran.
“Before my Senate colleagues reflexively back the Administration, remember the Constitutional responsibility of Congress to authorize war; ask the critical questions of what led us to this point and where we are headed, and be a reliable source of support for the men and women who bear the burden of battle.”
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
