On Friday morning, Israel launched its largest-ever military strike on Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities and killing top Iranian generals and several senior nuclear scientists. The attack has pushed the Middle East to the brink of a major war and shattered recent diplomatic momentum aimed at de-escalation.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have existed since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979, but they have worsened significantly over the past 18 months. Despite heightened tensions, there had been cautious optimism in recent weeks – largely due to US-led diplomatic efforts under President Donald Trump – that Israel would avoid directly targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. That optimism has now collapsed.
Although the Trump administration has denied involvement, Iran has responded by cancelling upcoming nuclear talks with Washington, scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Signs of an impending escalation were evident, as the US had begun relocating troops and offering regional diplomats temporary relocation in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.
The scale of the Israeli attacks is seen not just as a provocation against Iran but also as a blow to US attempts to avoid new military entanglements. While Iran has indeed increased uranium enrichment, there remains no definitive evidence that it is building a nuclear weapon. Iran has consistently denied such ambitions, and earlier this year, US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that Tehran was not pursuing nuclear arms.
The timing and intensity of the strikes appear politically motivated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing domestic unrest, including an opposition attempt to dissolve Parliament, and growing international criticism for his conduct in Gaza – particularly his use of aid as leverage. Analysts suggest the attack on Iran may be an effort to shift focus away from Gaza and rally domestic support.
The global community must take this moment seriously. The reckless nature of Israel’s actions threatens not just regional peace but also broader international stability. With prospects for a US-Iran nuclear deal now in jeopardy, urgent global diplomatic intervention is essential to prevent a catastrophic conflict.
Tehrin Tameeha Farrukh
Narayanganj
