Israel Strikes Iran: Economic Fallout, International Caution, and French Support for Israel’s Right to Self-Defense

Paris, June 13, 2025 — Following a series of overnight Israeli strikes against strategic Iranian installations, international reactions have largely centered on calls for restraint. France, while pleading for de-escalation, has reaffirmed Israel’s right to ensure its security.

In an official statement, President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France “reaffirms Israel’s right to protect itself,” while simultaneously calling for “the utmost restraint to avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region.”

The Israeli strikes, which reportedly targeted over 100 military and nuclear sites, triggered a wave of diplomatic responses.

In Tehran, Iranian authorities condemned the attack, promising a “strategic and proportionate” response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hinted at a forthcoming retaliation. Meanwhile, Moscow labeled the operation “unprovoked and unacceptable.”

Several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar, expressed deep concern and issued calls for calm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres shared his apprehension regarding the risks of a wider regional conflagration.

The United States clarified that it was not involved in the Israeli attack but warned Iran against any actions targeting U.S. interests in the region.

Economic Consequences: Oil Markets Under Pressure

Geopolitical tensions sent immediate shockwaves through the markets. The price of Brent crude surged by more than 6% in a single day, briefly hitting $104 per barrel—a level not seen in over a year. U.S. WTI also surpassed $100. This spike is driven by fears of disruptions to oil transit in the Persian Gulf, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for Iranian and Gulf exports.

Analysts warn that any blockade of the strait—by Iran or allied forces—could trigger a global supply shock. Airlines, European energy markets, and the currencies of importing nations remain particularly vulnerable.