Tehran: After the recent bombing targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, Pandora's box appears to have been opened by the United States, leading to heightened uncertainties and instability in the Middle East. This development has sparked a debate on the importance of common sense prevailing amidst the noise and confusion surrounding this issue.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the U.S. bombing, followed by warnings against retaliation, has been criticized as unlawful and coercive. This action echoes previous instances where Washington's nuclear buildup was accompanied by criticism of others' defensive measures, and its imposition of tariffs was met with warnings against countermeasures. Despite attempts to demonize Iran, it remains a fact that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has the legitimate right to peacefully develop nuclear energy under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. As a nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the United States is expected to lead by example rather than exempt itself from established rules.
Launching a direct strike on Iran, a treaty-compliant state, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the credibility of the non-proliferation system. The West often champions a "rules-based international order," yet the silence following the U.S. action suggests an acceptance of these "rules" being used to restrain others, while allowing Western nations to justify breaking them.
America's actions reveal a pattern of recklessness and opportunism, driven by domestic challenges and a desire to maintain global dominance at minimal cost. Initially, talks were restarted with Iran, but as negotiations stalled, Israel struck Iran, leaving the U.S. in a dilemma. The decision to directly strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure was a high-risk gamble, aiming to eliminate Iran's bargaining chips, but the world is not a casino.
Force does not bring peace, and past conflicts have shown that dropping bombs deepens the cycle of violence. The Iraq War caused massive civilian casualties and gave rise to ISIS, while the Afghanistan conflict ended chaotically. The current U.S. "bomb-and-leave" approach risks further escalation and regional spillover, with experts warning of possible global consequences, including economic repercussions for the U.S. Most importantly, innocent civilians continue to suffer amidst the violence.
The Iranian nuclear issue has escalated partly due to U.S. actions. Despite the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) offering hope for resolution, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018, reimposing sanctions and further straining relations. Recent military brinkmanship has once again demonstrated the U.S.'s unreliability and lack of credibility, complicating the situation further.
As the crisis recedes, it's evident that "Operation Midnight Hammer" failed to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities. Instead, it damaged U.S. credibility and undermined global stability. True peace requires genuine dialogue, adherence to commitments, and sincere accommodation of all sides' legitimate concerns. The world now watches to see if power politics will lead to chaos or if dialogue and lasting peace will prevail.