The highly provocative and illegal attacks of the United States and Israel against Iran have pushed the globe dangerously close to a wider conflict and economic turmoil, with analysts and experts warning there is not much time left to initiate just and credible moves aimed at de-escalation.
Despite overt and covert support of the United States for the belligerent Jewish State, Iran exercised extreme restraints by sparing otherwise reachable American targets in the region but bombing of the Iranian nuclear sites by B-2 bombers has forced Tehran to retaliate with serious consequences not only for aggressors but also for itself, region and the world at large.
Being the only superpower of the world, the United States was supposed to lead efforts for maintenance of peace and security in different parts of the globe but regrettably it has openly become a part of the problems, denting its credibility and image profusely. The rule of jungle and might is right prevails as yet another sovereign country is being bombed on mere assumptions whereas neither the intelligence community of the entire world nor the global nuclear watchdog – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – had any evidence of Iran developing a nuclear bomb. What a mockery of international law—after launching illegal attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the country is now being warned not to retaliate or face dire consequences. The entire world acknowledges the right of Iran to self-defence, which will surely attract more military response from the other side and any miscalculation could trigger the 3rd World War. Iran’s immediate response was to accelerate missile attacks on the Jewish state with warnings that it was also weighing options to strike at the US interests in the region. In another risky move, Iran’s parliament has approved closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a narrow 33-kilometer-wide stretch of water carrying a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, but the final decision has been left to the Supreme Leader. Experts fear closure of the route could cause a sudden oil price surge that would increase inflation, energy costs and disrupt industries across Europe.
Manufacturing, transport and agriculture sectors would be especially vulnerable. Market reactions and volatility in European stock exchanges could be a knock-on effect. Further, a blockade could further trigger military confrontations involving the US, EU navies and Gulf states, risking a broader regional war. Europe might be drawn into the conflict through NATO obligations or alliances, especially with countries like France or the UK maintaining naval presence in the region. Prolongation of the conflict could disrupt oil supplies and cause its prices to go sky high with consequences for all countries and especially for countries like Pakistan where inflation is already a major concern of the people and the Government. It is encouraging that an overwhelming majority of nations is firmly behind Iran at this critical juncture, condemning Israeli and American aggression and demanding an immediate ceasefire. Russia, China and Pakistan have echoed sentiments of the international community by proposing at the UN Security Council adoption of a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle-East. UN chief Antonio Guterres, while terming bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by the US as a perilous turn, also warned “we must act – immediately and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme”. It is now for the United States to reconsider its illegitimate support for Israel and contribute to efforts aimed at de-escalation. The dangerous move of President Donald Trump has not only created formidable political challenges at home but also created problems for countries like Pakistan where there is a growing demand that the government should retract its decision to nominate Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
