Since returning to the office in January, Mr. Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, backing nuclear diplomacy but warning of military action if it fails. The campaign has been followed by five rounds of talks since April between Tehran and Washington to thrash out a new nuclear deal replacing the 2015 understanding between the two, which was abandoned by US President Trump during his first term in 2018. The sixth round of talks was planned for June 15; however, the situation has taken a new turn.

Israel has launched unprecedented strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders.

Israel has launched unprecedented strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders, calling it a preemptive strike to counter the rising nuclear threat emanating from Iran. The attack set forward a new phase of conflict escalation between Iran and Israel, surpassing a series of historic flashpoints where the conflict was in the shadows for decades before exploding into real-time confrontation.

It is nothing new that since 2006, Israel has been intruding in Iran’s nuclear affairs through technology and intelligence-based operations, but this intrusion over time has become more serious. Last year, Iran launched its largest-ever ballistic missile attack on Israel in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others; however, the tensions were calmed before further escalation.

Israel has regarded this all-out attack on Iran’s nuclear installation as a preemptive strike against the world’s dangerous country, which is on the verge of acquiring nuclear capability. They believe that this attack not only serves the national interest of Israel but of the US.

US has deemed it a unilateral action, which was necessary for Israel. Though US was quick to distance itself from Israel’s attacks, but at the same time has also warned Iran not to retaliate against US interests in the region. An all-out conflict between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but it will likely be disastrous for the security of Israel, the United States, and the rest of the region.

An all-out conflict between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but disastrous for regional security.

Iran’s retaliation has begun. Reports are saying that Tehran has fired more than 100 drones toward Israeli territory. it is important to see how Iran’s response is calculated by Israel and adds to further escalation. But at the same time, it is equally important to consider that any potential accident can result in catastrophic outcomes where the possible fallout would not stay contained within Iran but would rather affect a larger part of the region.

The Middle East is hanging on the cusp of a generational conflict. The Iranians remain resolute in their determination to continue enriching uranium as their legitimate right, without any intention of exiting the NPT On the other hand, Israel, a non-signatory, is believed to have the Middle East’s sole nuclear arsenal. is preparing for a prolonged operation with absolutely no consideration for civilian casualties. Israeli strikes are continuing as Iran is also striking back, tensions are high, and so is the fear of more attacks from the Israeli side

The Middle East is hanging on the cusp of a generational conflict.

Pakistan fully supported Iran’s right to have a civilian nuclear program, however, before any further misadventure in the region, negotiation is the only way to control the escalation, though US maintained that it had no direct part in the operation yet they are Israel’s closest ally and in this scenario US role would stay of vital importance. It is highly unlikely that diplomacy between Washington and Tehran will continue at least shortly; however, getting back to the negotiation table should be the only way forward, which can leave a safe bracket for Iran to continue with their civilian nuclear ambitions.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.