The last thing we need is an all-out war in the Middle East, and Donald Trump should be taking a more proactive stance in the crisis
After Israel’s attack on Iran the two have launched strikes, which have escalated by the day, at each other. Missiles have struck countless strategic targets and killed hundreds of people, mostly on the Iranian side, including military commanders and scientists. Israel has targeted nuclear facilities and missile sites. Iran has launched waves of missiles at a widening range of targets, including Tel Aviv and Haifa in the north, where fires were seen at an oil depot.
Both sides have threatened more devastation. That does nothing for global security already strained by the Russia-Ukraine war, not to mention the deeply troubling toll of Israel’s attempt to destroy Hamas in Gaza, now estimated at more than 55,000 Palestinian lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the goal of the attack on Iran is to prevent its long-standing enemy from acquiring nuclear weapons, which it sees as a threat to its existence.
But the surprise attack on Iran widens regional conflict. It increases the risk of the worst-case scenario arising from Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel – all-out war in the Middle East. China has expressed “grave concern” over the potential fallout from Israel’s strikes on Iran and urged de-escalation.
