The United States’ airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities mark a dangerous and reckless escalation in an already fragile Middle East.
The attacks were not entirely unexpected. In recent days, US President Donald Trump had been making ambiguous yet ominous remarks, suggesting that military action against Iran was on the table.
It is deeply troubling that a President who came to power with promises to end endless wars and claimed to be a peace-broker has now taken steps that could plunge the region into deeper chaos. Trump has often taken pride in not starting new conflicts — yet by launching strikes on sovereign Iranian soil, he has not only invited retaliation but has dangerously involved the US directly into the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. His message following the strikes, warning Iran to ‘make peace or face more attacks’ is not the language of a leader seeking diplomacy. It is a threat, and one that starkly undermines international norms. Iran’s sovereignty has been violated. Like any nation, Iran has the right to defend its territory and the countdown to further violence may already be ticking. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has rightly described the US attacks as a ‘dangerous escalation’ and a threat to international peace and security. His warning that situation could quickly spiral out of control should be taken with utmost seriousness. The region stands at the edge of a precipice. Beyond human cost, the economic fallout could be devastating. A prolonged conflict in the Gulf could disrupt global energy supplies, trigger surging oil prices and further destabilise fragile economies already reeling from inflation and geopolitical tensions. This is a moment that demands wisdom, not warfare. Muslim-majority nations must urgently express their solidarity with the Iranian people. Simultaneously, countries that maintain strong diplomatic ties with both the US and Iran must now step up and lead de-escalation efforts. Silence or neutrality is no longer an option. World peace hangs in balance. The future of an entire region is at stake. This is not a time for military bravado or geopolitical gamesmanship. It is a time for active, committed diplomacy — for dialogue, restraint and a return to international law.
