By Sheikh Saleem
MUMBAI: In recent days, tensions between Israel and Iran have significantly increased, particularly due to reports of Israel’s potential attack on Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities, which has raised alarms across the region. If Israel actually targets these Iranian installations, the consequences could be severe not only for the Middle East but also on a global scale. The United States, a longstanding ally of Israel, is currently refraining from direct involvement in this conflict, but if the situation deteriorates further, the U.S. may be forced to intervene.
Here are a few potential scenarios that may arise from this situation:
If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities, Iran’s response could be intense. Iran may launch missile attacks, possibly with the support of its allies such as Hezbollah. In recent days, Hezbollah has already fired rockets at northern Israel, and this pattern could escalate. Additionally, Iran may try to disrupt oil supplies by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which would cause a significant rise in global oil prices and lead to an economic crisis.
Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi militias are unlikely to remain silent and may increase their attacks against Israel, raising the risk of a large-scale war in the Middle East. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries may also become targets of Iranian retaliation, escalating the conflict and destabilizing the entire region.
Although the United States is a strong ally of Israel, the Biden administration seems hesitant to become involved in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, if Iran targets American interests or its allies, the U.S. may be forced to intervene. This could trigger a larger global confrontation, involving multiple world powers.
Any military conflict between Iran and Israel could have a profound impact on the global economy. If oil supplies from the Persian Gulf are disrupted, it would cause a sharp rise in global oil prices, which would severely affect markets and consumers, threatening global financial stability.
Following an Israeli attack, Iran is likely to accelerate its nuclear program, increasing the risk of nuclear proliferation. This would pose a serious challenge to international security, requiring the global community to implement stricter measures to prevent the spread of nuclear materials.
Recent reports of Iran’s nuclear weapons test have further complicated the situation, leading Israel to temporarily halt its planned attack on Iran. This has added a new dimension to the already tense and volatile situation.
A potential conflict between Israel and Iran poses serious risks not only to the Middle East but also to global stability. Considering the destructive consequences of war, it is essential that global powers work diplomatically to de-escalate the conflict. The United Nations, Gulf countries, Russia, and India must make every effort to prevent war, prioritizing diplomatic solutions to save the region from large-scale destruction.
*The author is a leader of the Welfare Party of India.
