The situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly tense. “Is the US preparing for war?” – a headline from Al Jazeera captures the deep concerns across the region and the broader international community over a possible US military intervention in the Iran-Israel conflict, which could cause the situation to spiral out of control. In response to US threats of war, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised address on Wednesday that Iran “will not surrender” and warned that any American military intervention would cause “irreparable damage.” The world is now watching with bated breath: Is the US conducting a hardline test ahead of negotiations or mobilizing public opinion for a war? Either way, the mere fact that the US is contemplating involvement is itself a very dangerous signal.
Diplomatic means regarding the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted, and a peaceful resolution is still possible. The common consensus in the international community is that military force cannot bring peace to the region – only by upholding the vision of common security can the legitimate concerns of all parties be thoroughly addressed. Before the current Iran-Israel conflict, the US and Iran had already held five rounds of talks on the nuclear issue. While significant differences remained and no substantial breakthroughs were achieved, the negotiations were ongoing. Had it not been for Israel’s sudden military strike on Iran, the sixth round of talks would have taken place as scheduled in Muscat, Oman. It is clear that what triggered the conflict was not the collapse of diplomacy, but a military adventure.
The Iranian nuclear issue has dragged on for over 20 years. The most important lesson learned is that political and diplomatic efforts are the only correct way to properly resolve the issue. The most profound historical lesson is that relentless confrontation, pressure, and undermining international agreements only serve to further complicate the situation. The US bears responsibility for the Iranian nuclear issue. If Washington had not unilaterally withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and if the agreement had been smoothly and effectively implemented, the issue very likely would not have deteriorated to its current state.
As a member of the international community, Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should not be violated, and the Iranian people and their property should be protected. Especially as the international community is still seeking a political resolution to the issue, any reckless use of force against Iran is unacceptable and constitutes a blatant violation of international law.
From Afghanistan to Iraq, history has long proven that US military interventions have never brought peace. Instead, they have left devastation and sown the seeds of hatred, even deeply harming American society. According to the Costs of War project by Brown University, since 2001, the so-called US “war on terror” has claimed over 800,000 lives, displaced more than 38 million people, and cost over $8 trillion. These painful lessons are far from forgotten. CNN has warned that “the US may be headed into another Middle East war,” describing Washington as being “on the brink of a huge gamble,” while emphasizing that “Iran is not Libya, Iraq, or Afghanistan,” and “history does not have to repeat itself.” A recent Economist poll shows that 60 percent of Americans oppose US military involvement in the conflict, with only 16 percent supporting military action. This indicates that deeper entanglement in the Iran-Israel conflict is not reflective of the true will of the American people.
The US military presence in the Middle East is already substantial, and tensions in the region are high enough. Even if Washington is merely posturing to “scare” Iran, such “maximum pressure” tactics is undermining efforts to achieve regional peace and is contrary to international fairness and justice. The current urgent priority is not to continue reallocating troops or deploying more aircraft carriers and fighter jets, but to promote peace and stop the war. Effective measures should be taken to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to avoid greater turmoil in the region. Returning to a political solution of dialogue and negotiations is a common expectation of the international community. The escalation of the situation in the Middle East does not serve the interests of any party.
As a country with special influence over Israel, the US should particularly adopt an objective and impartial stance, take due responsibility, and play a positive and constructive role in de-escalating tensions and preventing the conflict from further expanding. Blood is still flowing in Gaza, Syrian refugees continue to wander, and the Middle East cannot withstand another “imposed war.” If the US truly seeks to “resolve conflicts peacefully,” it needs to send clearer and more proactive signals regarding Middle Eastern issues, stop fueling the war machine, and take on the responsibility of promoting peace and stopping the war, rather than complicating the issues further or becoming part of the problem. GT
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