Key Facts and Data Points

  • Date of operation: 2 March 2026
  • Operations: Operation Epic Fury (US) and Operation Lion’s Roar (Israel)
  • Targeted assets: Iranian nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), command‑and‑control centres, and the Supreme Leader.
  • Casualties: Reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; numerous Iranian military personnel.
  • Iranian retaliation: Operation True Promise 4 – missile strikes on Israel and Gulf states.
  • Energy implications: Strait of Hormuz handles ~20 million barrels of oil/day (≈20 % of global consumption) and 20‑30 % of LNG shipments.

Background and Context

  • 1979 Revolution: Shifted Iran‑Israel relations from strategic partnership to hostility; Iran adopted anti‑Western rhetoric.
  • Nuclear programme: Disclosed in early 2000s; led to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
  • US withdrawal (2018): Cited Iran’s missile program and support to the “Axis of Resistance” (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis).
  • Regional dynamics: Post‑2003 Iraq war created a power vacuum; Iran expanded influence via proxies.
  • Recent precursors: 2025 Israeli pre‑emptive strikes on Natanz/Isfahan; US B‑2 bomber raids on Fordow.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Energy security: India imports >85 % of its crude oil; 2.5‑2.7 million barrels/day transit the Strait of Hormuz. Disruption could push crude prices above $100/barrel, widening the current‑account deficit and fueling inflation.
  • Diaspora safety: ~9 million Indians work in West Asia; conflict may necessitate large‑scale evacuations (e.g., Operation Ganga‑type missions).
  • Strategic autonomy: India must balance its deepening partnership with the US and Israel against historic ties with Iran and Gulf states, preserving freedom of action in foreign policy.
  • Connectivity projects: Chabahar Port (Iran) and the India‑Middle‑East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) face operational risks.
  • Policy measures: Activation of Strategic Petroleum Reserves, diversification of LPG/LNG imports, naval presence in Arabian Sea, diplomatic back‑channeling with Tehran and Muscat, and advocacy for de‑escalation at the UN.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 253 of the Constitution empowers the Union to enter into treaties and international agreements.
  • Foreign Trade Policy (2023‑28) emphasizes diversification of energy sources and strategic reserves.
  • National Security Act, 1980 provides framework for evacuation and protection of Indian citizens abroad.

Exam Relevance

  • Prelims: Facts on the operations, Strait of Hormuz, JCPOA, Axis of Resistance.
  • Mains: Analysis of India’s Middle‑East policy, strategic autonomy, impact on macro‑economy and energy security.

Drishti Mains Question: Analyze the multifaceted impact of the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict on India’s macro‑economic stability, energy security and strategic autonomy.