France, June 17 -- The Middle East is bracing for another protracted conflict after Israel's surprise bombardment on Friday of Iranian nuclear and military sites killed several of the country's top generals and nuclear scientists. Iran has responded with strikes on Israel. As the situation escalates, there are concerns about the global impact. RFI asked a specialist on geopolitics at the French Institute for International Relations about the possible consequences for the African continent.

With Israel and Iran exchanging fire for a fifth day, and planned talks on Iran's nuclear programme called off, there is growing concern about the potential impact beyond the Middle East.

Benjamin Auge, a researcher with the Africa and Climate program...