A Most Unfortunate Escalation: Iran and Israel Trade Missiles, Markets Shrug... For Now

Trouble Brewing Bubbling Exploding?

My dears a rather unpleasant situation seems to be unfolding in the Middle East or as some might say 'a right pickle.' Iran and Israel are engaged in a rather spirited exchange of missiles aren't they? It reminds me of a particularly vigorous game of Exploding Snap only with considerably higher stakes and less chance of a pleasant singed eyebrow. Evacuation orders are flying about like lost Quaffles and the air is thick with tension thicker dare I say than Hagrid's treacle tart after a generous dollop of golden syrup.

Bombs Bursting in Air Anchors Aweigh?

The Israel Defense Forces in a move that suggests they've been reading too many Sun Tzu novels have warned residents in parts of northern Tehran that a bit of a rumble is coming their way. Meanwhile the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps not to be outdone is threatening a similar spectacle in the Bnei Brak area of eastern Tel Aviv. It's like watching two grumpy dragons breathing fire at each other – impressive but also rather worrisome especially when one considers the collateral damage. Indeed a live broadcast was interrupted by what appears to be a missile strike. One hopes the news anchor managed to find a good portkey out of there. After all 'it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies but just as much to stand up to our friends'.

Iron Dome or Irony Dome?

Ah the famous Iron Dome! A clever bit of kit indeed. However as with even the most potent of defenses – be it a magical shield or a well placed charm – quantity has a quality all its own. The Iranians claim to have deployed 'innovative methods' that have given the Israeli air defenses a run for their money. Whether this is ingenious wizardry or mere bluster remains to be seen. One is reminded of Mr. Weasley tinkering in the shed – brilliant ideas but occasionally with explosive consequences.

Oily Matters and Market Mishaps

Now the financial wizards in their ivory towers are naturally twitching their noses at this brewing conflict. Oil prices predictably have perked up like a mandrake at sunrise. The Strait of Hormuz a vital artery for global trade is causing quite a stir. Yet surprisingly markets initially seemed to shrug off the latest hostilities. Gold usually a safe haven for the jittery took a bit of a tumble. Tel Aviv share indices even dared to rise! It seems some are hoping for a swift resolution. Hope of course is a powerful force but 'it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live'.

The American Elephant in the Room

And what of the United States one might ask? Well their response is as always under intense scrutiny. With a history of close support for Israel and a rather complicated relationship with Iran – especially with the cancellation of those nuclear talks – Washington's next move is anyone's guess. Even Mr. Trump who apparently has weighed in on a rather... *direct* proposal is involved. One can only hope that cooler heads prevail. 'We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy'.

G7 Gathering Gloom?

Discussions about this unfortunate conflict are expected at the G7 meeting. World leaders gathered like a gaggle of perplexed owls will no doubt be scratching their heads and pondering solutions. Whether they can conjure up a diplomatic charm to defuse this situation remains to be seen. One hopes they can find a way to bring both sides to the table for as I always say 'words are in my not so humble opinion our most inexhaustible source of magic'.