Following the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the conflict between Israel and Iran continues. Osamah Khalil, professor of history and chair of the International Relations Undergraduate Program explains the implications on KTVU News. 

Iran will “likely just continue responding to the Israeli airstrikes with their own missile strikes and working with their partners, for example, Russia—the Iranian foreign minister is meeting with President Putin today—and with the Chinese in an attempt to kind of isolate the United States and embarrass the United States internationally,” Khalil says.

“It doesn't seem like they're going to do a rash act in the short term. However, if the airstrikes continue, if the United States does another round of attacks, that could force their hand,” he says.

Khalil also spoke with LocalSYR about the impact on Central New York. “We’re looking at a generational decision,” says Khalil. “One that will have a deep impact on every single New Yorker, especially those in Central New York. This will stay with us for a very long time.”

The situation is escalating in ways we have not seen before, says Khalil. With Israeli airstrikes, rising tensions in Gaza, and now a strong U.S. military response, the risks are higher than ever. He warns Iran may try to disrupt global oil supply chains, which could have a domino effect. “If that’s the case, we could very rapidly see the global economy collapse.