The escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran has plunged the Middle East into a perilous new chapter — one with potentially disastrous global consequences.
Continued missile exchanges have turned what was once a shadow conflict into a dangerously overt war.
This is a stark signal that the region stands on brink of a wider conflict.
The very suggestion by President Donald Trump that Tehran should accept a downgrade of its nuclear programme to halt Israeli attacks raises disturbing questions.
How is a sovereign state expected to enter negotiations under active bombardment?
This approach effectively legitimises military aggression as a negotiating tactic — a deeply dangerous precedent.
This policy of backing the aggressor, rather than playing the role of an honest peace broker, undermines credibility of the United States.
Instead of reining in violence, they appear to be enabling it by offering conditional reprieve only in return for one-sided concessions.
President Trump along other world leaders must step forward not to dictate terms to the victim, but to bring both parties to a genuine ceasefire and diplomatic process.
Any-thing less would be an abdication of responsibility at a time when the world needs mature leadership and moral clarity.
Moreover, while many Muslim countries have expressed solidarity with Iran, words are no longer enough.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was right to emphasize in National Assembly that the Muslim Ummah must demonstrate real unity and purpose.
An initiative is urgently required — not just symbolic but concrete — to counteract Israel’s widening military operations.
Continued Israeli aggression in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and now Iran cannot be normalised.
Countries maintaining diplomatic and trade ties with Israel must reconsider their positions.
If Israel is to be held accountable, it must face meaningful consequences — economic, political and diplomatic.
A unified stance from the Muslim world, including severing of all relations until Israel ceases its violations, would send a powerful message and could prove to be a crucial step toward de-escalation.
The world stands at a critical juncture.
Either the international community mobilises to prevent this war from spiralling into an all-out regional catastrophe, or it allows unchecked aggression to redraw the rules of international conduct.
Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to resolving the conflict.
The time to act is now — before this dangerous fire engulfs more lives, more nations and ultimately the prospects for a lasting peace.