Iranian Kurdish opposition parties in Iraq and Iran are on high alert as US-Israel strikes on Iran intensify, placing their bases on the front lines. While some discuss arming Kurdish fighters for regime change, leaders express skepticism about US intentions and the risks of large-scale operations, despite facing drone and missile attacks.
US-Israel strikes on Iran, causing energy price hikes and trade disruption, have led to significant profits for energy firms, defense contractors, freight/insurance companies, and Wall Street banks, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Switzerland aimed at easing global economic pain.
BBC Verify analysis of satellite imagery reveals over 50 Iranian military facilities, including air and naval bases and IRGC headquarters, have been damaged since the outbreak of the US-Iran war due to US and Israeli attacks. Despite significant damage, Iran is reportedly repairing some key missile sites during a fragile ceasefire. Experts note that while Iranian air and naval forces have suffered, Tehran retains the capability to harm the US and its regional allies through missile and drone capabilities, and its "mosquito fleet" poses a threat in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran is rebuilding its military capabilities, including drone and missile production, faster than expected after US-Israel strikes. Intelligence suggests Iran could restore full drone attack capabilities within six months, raising concerns for regional allies.
Around 138,000 civilian facilities in Iran have been damaged by US and Israeli military strikes since the escalation began on February 28, according to Iranian TV channel SNN. The damage includes over 113,000 residential buildings, around 23,500 commercial properties, more than 300 medical facilities, 32 universities, and 993 educational institutions. The US announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7, while Iran-US talks in Islamabad on April 11 yielded no long-term agreement.
Polymarket, the US prediction market platform hosting bets on events including the Iran war and US-Israel strikes, is in talks to raise $400m at a valuation of up to $15bn. The company has seen trading volume surge to over $1bn weekly, with geopolitical markets fee-free. The NYSE's owner has invested $1.6bn total, while Israeli authorities have arrested people for using classified information to bet on the platform. A Guardian investigation found users pressuring journalists to change articles to win bets.
Bets placed on Middle East conflict has led to US firm experiencing big increase in volumePolymarket, the online prediction platform that hosts bets on events such as the Iran war, is in talks to raise $400m (£296m) at a valuation of up to $15bn.The company has gained notoriety in recent months over wagers placed on the Middle East conflict, including on the timing of US-Israel strikes against Iran, and on a US-Iran ceasefire, some of which appeared to bear signs of insider trading. Continue reading...
US-Israel strikes and Tehran’s retaliation are pushing oil and gas facility damage costs toward $50 billion, Rystad Energy projects Read Full Article at RT.com
