Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran mark a profoundly alarming escalation of tension in the Middle East and beyond the region. We cannot but strongly condemn the brazenness with which Israel launched the airstrikes on Iran in gross violation of the UN Charter and international law. It is a humanitarian shock and a mounting threat to global stability.
On Sunday, Israel targeted main military and nuclear-linked sites in Tehran, including Iran’s Defense Ministry, claiming to stop Iran from nearing nuclear weapons capability. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of missiles that struck Israeli cities.
This level of invasion by Israel carried out in defiance of international norms and laws and outside the framework of legitimate self-defence, clearly violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. The global community cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Tolerating such actions to go unbridled risks setting a dangerous precedent, where might replaces law and escalates conflict.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even told the media that the strikes marked the beginning of a protracted operation to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic weapon, although Iran has consistently maintained that it’s nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes. The UN and experts also concluded that Tehran was not actively pursuing a nuclear bomb.
The global community must act now. The United Nations, European Union,
Gulf states and leading powers such as China, Russia and the United States
must come together to demand a ceasefire and initiate an immediate peace process
Israel’s strikes on Iran is a clear provocation that risks igniting a broader, potentially uncontrollable conflict. Israel has repeatedly violated international norms such as the 1981 Iraq nuclear reactor bombing, the 2006 Lebanon war, illegal settlements in Palestine. Israel’s atrocities include civilian bombing in Gaza, blockades and what not.
Iran accuses Israel of attacking hospital and calls it ‘work crime’. The consequences of this conflict stretch well beyond the Middle East. Financial markets reacted promptly with uncertainty. Brent crude oil prices surged nearly 4 percent on Sunday following Israel’s strikes on Iran’s fuel depots and energy infrastructure. With global inflation still unsettled, the threat of oil supply disruption— particularly if the Strait of Hormuz is closed—could push energy prices affectedly higher, triggering inflationary shock in both developing and developed economies. From fuel stations in Europe to factories in Asia, the ordinary people will bear the brunt of this distant war.
Stock markets also responded with unease. The S&P 500 opened lower, and the Cboe Volatility Index, Wall Street’s vital risk barometer, spiked to a three-week high. The investors are pursuing sanctuary in gold and the US dollar. The geopolitical risk value has returned to global investment— and could linger if the conflict spreads.
There are also severe regional consequences. With Israel warning Iranian civilians to evacuate military-related sites and signaling more strikes, a broader regional war is likely to break out unless diplomatic pressure intervenes. The global community must act now. The United Nations, European Union, Gulf states and leading powers such as China, Russia and the United States must come together to demand a ceasefire and initiate an immediate peace process. Economic sanctions, arms embargoes and coordinated diplomatic interventions must be on the table. Words are no longer enough—this crisis demands action- a double quick action.
