With a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Middle Eastern war has been paused for now. However, the ongoing international events suggest that this pause is temporary, and a major war will occur sooner or later, transforming the world’s geopolitical and geostrategic landscape altogether.
The United States’ extraordinary interest in the region was due to its remarkable energy resources. Over the past few decades, the Gulf States remained submissive to the US to stay safe from any regime change operations by Washington. However, the regional leaders who stood up against the US were killed or overthrown by Washington’s spy agencies. In 2013, the CIA, for the first time, admitted its involvement in 1953’s coup against an elected Iranian government. Since then, the United States has been involved in numerous military coups in several nations around the world. In 1954, the CIA overthrew a democratic government in Guatemala, leading to the installation of the US-backed tyrant government of Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Castillo Armas. This regime change operation claimed the lives of at least, 200000 native people. The Russia-Ukraine conflict was also instigated by the United States and its European allies.
US Role in Terrorism and Israeli Aggression
The Middle East remains the most affected country due to the US’ covert regime change operations and internal meddling. The United States created numerous terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda*, and Taliban, through its spy network in the Middle East to destabilize the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds that the United States is responsible for the creation of the Islamic State (ISIS*). In one of his official statements, he stated, “You [the United States] and your agents are the source of instability in the Middle East … Who created the Islamic State*? American … America’s claim of fighting against Islamic State is a lie.” Many, around the world, hold the same opinion about the creation of terrorist organizations in the Middle East.
The United States is also the prime supporter of Israeli war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Israel is Washington’s largest regional proxy. The United States supports the Zionist state diplomatically, financially, and militarily to materialize its regional aspirations. The recent Iran-Israel war was also one of the US-instigated Middle Eastern wars. After assuming the US presidential office, Donald Trump initiated nuclear talks with Iran. Amidst these negotiations, he threatened Iran with potential strikes on its nuclear facilities. On the other hand, Iran had its own insecurities. Tehran sought security guarantees against any future US or Israeli attacks. However, Washington was unwilling to give any such assurances to Tehran. Nonetheless, Israel conducted air strikes deep inside Iran without the end of the negotiations, exacerbating the Middle Eastern crisis.
Toward Escalation: The Coming Global Confrontation
The United States repeatedly denied its involvement in the Israeli strikes. Nevertheless, the world knew that these strikes were conducted at the behest of the US establishment to exert pressure on Iran. The US and Israel sought to bring a regime change in Iran, replacing the Ayatollah government with the US loyalists. However, the failure of the combined US and Israel strikes in Iran has exposed the two countries to novel regional threats. The 12-day war between Iran and Israel has set the stage for a direct, massive future confrontation between the two sides, potentially triggering a war between the Western and Eastern bloc.
Although Iran has suffered significant losses during this 12-day war, it is more firm than ever to acquire nuclear power, to deter regional and global threats. Iran has already suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Association, showing its determination to gain nuclear weapons. This Iranian ambition can trigger more violent attacks by Israel and the United States. Iran will surely rebuild its geopolitical power to deter and respond to these potential attacks. One significant way to ensure Iran’s sovereignty and security is to revive its anti-Israel Axis of Resistance. It will explore multiple options to reinvigorate its proxy network in the region, including expanding its influence in Syria, and escalating resistance in Palestinian territory, to boost its regional power and gain leverage from the constantly altering regional dynamics.
In short, the region is heading towards greater turmoil. However, a rekindling of conflict could take some time to materialize. The nature and dynamics of the next phase of this war are hard to predict. However, the increasing involvement of the United States and the ensuing chaos in the region suggests that this could trigger a major war between the Western and Eastern bloc. The events unfolding in the region and around the globe reflect that this future escalation between the two sides will have unprecedented global repercussions, affecting all humanity around the world. One thing is sure, the impetuous nature of the US President Donald Trump would plunge the whole region into destruction, chaos, and turmoil.
*-banned in Russia
Taut Bataut – is a researcher and writer that publishes on South Asian geopolitics
