International politics is in free fall, and inter-state relations are at the lowest ebb. Following an intense 12-day war (13-25 June) between arch foes Israel and Iran, the unpredictability of the International system has been exposed like never before since WWII. There is substantial evidence to augment this presumption. Israel-Iran hostilities erupted on the night of June 13 amidst the ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. Every individual covering Middle Eastern politics or who understands US-Israel relations can easily comprehend the nexus of the US-Israel civil and military establishment.

International politics is in free fall, and inter-state relations are at the lowest ebb.

Hence, any attack carried out by Israel would not be without any corroboration with the U.S. Strikingly enough, this onslaught came on the verge of nuclear negotiations entering the crucial stage, where both parties were hoping some concrete steps and substance to agree upon. Not only were the talks derailed, but the level of credibility that was restored after years crumbled cheaply.

It signifies a very disorderly world where the ‘proclaimed’ leader of the world contradicts one’s own statements and commitments not within weeks or months, but within days and hours. World is certainly passing through a generational shift and a new world order is in the making, and no one knows how long will it take the new order to establish itself. Until then, international relations are chaotic and those with brute force and power would want to take and secure as much as they can from the spoils of war.

Moreover, the U.S. President Trump delivered a ceremonial victory speech after B-2 bombers dropped bunker buster bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This development came after a week into Israel-Iran war. President Trump openly stated to media outlets that “he and Netanyahu (PM of Israel) teamed up against Iran, and they have struck a decisive blow to Iran and its nuclear program describing it as obliterated”. However, several American news agencies have investigated into the matter and described Trump’s claims as hyperbolic and far from facts.

It was clear that significant blow has been made to Iranian nuclear program; however complete annihilation of it was exaggerated according to many news agencies based in the U.S. Things got more intriguing when high level U.S. state officials including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Caine conducted two pressers in three days to purportedly convey to the world that whatever President claimed was absolutely right and showed some visual documents which were not obvious enough to make the case strong.

Trump’s presidency is the test of resolve of world leaders.

On 23 June 2025, Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in retaliation for the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on 22 June as part of the Iran–Israel war. It was a symbolic attack, bursting the myth that Iran cannot hit U.S. bases in the Middle East.

In this brief but relentless war, Israel managed to strike major blows to the military and nuclear assets of Iran. 14 high-ranking military commanders from the IRGC and Missile Program were killed. Moreover, 17 top-ranking Iranian Nuclear scientists were neutralized, which was a severe loss to the overall nuclear program. In estimated costs till now, Iran suffered an economic loss of around 13-19 billion, while Israel bears the brunt of around 3-6 billion. The major setback for Iran was the loss of its top military leadership and nuclear scientists. However, it is witnessed that Iran has always found ways to bounce back from such critical scenarios.

It may have faced a delay in its nuclear enrichment and other plans, but it is still in the game. Israel, owing to superior aerial power, has struck deep inside Iran and has claimed to wipe out major nuclear facilities and centrifuges. Nevertheless, Iran claims that in anticipation of a likely attack, it has shifted enriched uranium to safe havens, and it can and will continue to pursue nuclear power. Another highlight of the war was that Iran could penetrate Israeli air defense systems and cause considerable devastation.

Iran possesses a range of ballistic and cruise missiles, in addition to drones that can carry enough payload to destroy its targets. The invincibility of the Israeli air defense system is long gone and is now sealed in the current war with Iran. It is undoubtedly evident that Israel cannot afford to fight a war of attrition without its patron-in-chief, the United States. After a week into the war, PM Netanyahu convinced President Trump to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities. Otherwise, Iran was punching above its weight, and Israel feared that it could not survive without U.S. backing.

Trump’s second presidency has completed just over 5 months, and a lot has happened in the world. Firstly, Mr. President has willfully provided breathing space to President Putin of Russia instead of insisting on a ceasefire. On the Contrary, Trump humiliated President Zelensky of Ukraine in the White House in late February. One exception is a brief Indo-Pak war, which he credited himself with cease-firing more times than the real war actually lasted. And the recent Israel-Iran skirmishes were allegedly backed up by the Trump Administration, which provided relentless support and military aid to Israel.

The invincibility of the Israeli air defense system is long gone.

Trump is toying with disinformation, and his plans for the Middle East are the manifestation of his corporate persona. Trump’s presidency is a test of resolve for world leaders. Trump’s forewarnings to pull out of NATO and siding with Putin sent shockwaves across Europe, but to the dismay of many, he backtracked. There is a long list of such promises and election manifestos; nonetheless, now is the time to deliver.

At this unprecedented juncture, the world will witness events and happenings beyond expectations and ingenuity. A better way to keep up pace with this is to not jump to conclusions while seeing an event unfolding. Let things settle down, and keep an eye on the collective conscience of the world community. It is the only thing left that can ensure a world returning to normalcy.

Artificial Intelligence, Post-Globalization world, asymmetric warfare, Climate disasters, pandemics, food insecurity, water crises, cyber warfare, and non-traditional security issues are all going to be at the forefront of this new world order, which is just shaping right now under our eyes. Under such monumental changes, life can seem absurd at times, but this is the way to go.

Artificial Intelligence, Post-Globalization, and non-traditional security issues are shaping the new world order.

International Relations now hinge upon these aspects of security in addition to traditional security threats. The United Nations and its counterpart international institutions have become irrelevant or devoid of any authority to enforce their decisions. However, effective leadership roles would be as crucial as they were ca entury ago!

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.