SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government has activated contingency plans to shield its economy from potential ripple effects stemming from escalating military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Vice President Raquel Peña addressed growing concerns during a women’s leadership conference at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, emphasizing national preparedness amid global uncertainties.
Following warnings from economic analysts about possible market disruptions, Peña confirmed the administration has developed comprehensive strategies to mitigate international economic impacts. “We have implemented a full-scale plan to anticipate the economic consequences that this unfortunate Middle East conflict may generate,” she stated during a press interaction.
Peña urged citizens to maintain calm despite alarming predictions, noting this isn’t the first international crisis during President Luis Abinader’s administration. She emphasized the government’s focus on protecting vulnerable populations from external shocks: “Our primary objective is ensuring our people, especially the most vulnerable, don’t suffer from distant conflicts that ultimately affect us all.
The crisis erupted on February 28th with coordinated bombings by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian targets, prompting immediate retaliation. International media reports indicate the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 casualties, including both military personnel and civilians. The attacks also claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who had governed the Islamic Republic for 36 years. The late leader, originally from Mashhad in northeastern Iran, is buried alongside his father at the Imam Reza shrine.