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The world stopped breathing.
Trump’s declaration of what he described as a “very successful attack” instantly shattered any remaining illusions of geopolitical stability. International observers quickly realized that the conventional frameworks of diplomacy—the intricate balance of deterrence, the painstakingly negotiated treaties, the quiet channels of negotiation—had been upended in an instant. In Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes in the strongest terms, labeling them “outrageous” and “criminal,” and underscoring that Iran would act under its sovereign right to self-defense. His words were measured, deliberate, legalistic, and yet every phrase carried an undercurrent of menace. The repeated insistence that Iran “reserves all options” resonated ominously in capitals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East alike. Every intelligence analyst and foreign minister understood the implicit message: escalation was possible, perhaps inevitable, and the reach of this confrontation could extend far beyond the Middle East.
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