Blimey! Uncle Sam Joins the Fray: Iran-Israel Conflict Gets a Yank Twist!

Accio Bombers! U.S. Enters the Chat

Right gather 'round you lot! Things have gone a bit pear shaped in the Middle East haven't they? Seems the Muggles – I mean the Americans – have decided to stick their oar in the Israel Iran business. Apparently some swanky 'B 2 Spirit' thingamajigs (sounds like a broomstick cleaner if you ask me) dropped a few 'very successful' (Trump's words not mine – Merlin's beard!) bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. Fordo Natanz Isfahan...sounds like a spell gone wrong doesn't it? Anyway Trump who seems to be channelling his inner Dumbledore (minus the beard and twinkly eyes sadly) declared 'NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!' Bit late for that mate innit? Word is these bombers can penetrate underground facilities. Makes you wonder if they've got a stash of Gillyweed down there!

Netanyahu's Gratitude and IAEA's Emergency Meeting

So after the fireworks reactions were pouring in faster than owls on Christmas morning. Netanyahu the Israeli Prime Minister was all chuffed thanking Trump like he'd just brewed him a batch of Felix Felicis. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is having a right old kerfuffle calling emergency meetings and checking for radiation levels like Madam Pomfrey checking for broken bones after a Quidditch match. Apparently no increase in radiation which is a relief. Wouldn't want anyone glowing in the dark would we? (Unless you're Peeves then you probably would.)

UN Security Council's Ceasefire Plea

The UN Security Council (sounds about as fun as a detention with Snape) is in a right state. Russia China and Pakistan are all batting for an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' China's ambassador is apparently rather miffed about the whole thing condemning the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Meanwhile back in the States some officials are saying it's not about 'regime change,' but Trump's hinting otherwise. 'MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN,' he bellows. Sounds suspiciously like a Dark Lord slogan if you ask me.

Hormuz Strait Drama: Oil Prices Go Boom!

Now for the bit that'll make your Galleons quiver: oil prices. They've gone up faster than a Firebolt in the Quidditch World Cup! Seems Iran's parliament (which sounds about as effective as the Ministry of Magic sometimes) voted to close the Strait of Hormuz. This is a big deal apparently as it's where a load of the world's oil swishes through. If they close it analysts reckon oil could hit $100 a barrel! Blimey even Mrs. Weasley would be counting her pennies then!

Secretary Rubio's Call to China

Secretary Rubio is apparently begging China to stop Iran from closing the strait. China's Iran's biggest oil customer so you can see his point. It's like asking Hermione to stop reading – good luck with that! But Iran's foreign minister is threatening 'everlasting consequences.' Sounds a bit Voldemort ish doesn't it? Deputy foreign minister says they'll keep enriching uranium and 'no one can tell us what to do.' A bit stubborn if you ask me.

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

The world now waits for Iran's next move. Some boffins reckon if Iran just shrugs it off and surrenders (unlikely mind you) oil prices will settle down and shares will 'rally'. Others reckon if Iran retaliates by attacking U.S. bases things could get a bit dicey. One expert thinks closing the Strait would be a really bad idea for Iran. Seems they'd alienate all their neighbours and customers including China. Basically it's a choice between brewing a potion that explodes in your face or one that turns you into a ferret. Tricky eh?