This Is Not An Era Of War

In light of the four major conflicts, 'Is it right to say that This Is Not an Era of War—Or Is It?' Arguably, we are living in an era defined by war, conflicts and great power competition. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is not a clash of ideologies but a struggle for regional hegemony.

- SHIV BHAGWAN SAHARAN

We can start a war, but cannot stop it. This is seen exactly in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia. The initial objectives of the Israeli-led attacks on Iranian territory—the destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the regime change—have become increasingly elusive following Tehran's robust retaliation. In response to the escalation, the US President Donald Trump stated a new unachievable goal that is the 'unconditional surrender' of Iran. However, this raises a critical question: Why would Iran capitulate unconditionally to the United States, especially when war was initiated by Israel? If Israel is winning the war, why did the US join Israel's war with Iran? Is it urging American military support?

The reality is that Israel's missile defense systems are under immense strain, and its stockpiles are reportedly insufficient to deter continued Iranian ballistic missile attacks. The initial Israeli air strikes targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and military command centers across key provinces including Tehran, Isfahan, Natanz, and Tabriz. Within 24 hours, Iran retaliated under 'Operation True Promise III', firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities. Notable targets included the Weizmann Institute of Science near Tel Aviv, an oil refinery near Haifa, IDF C41 HQ near Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and others. Israel is reportedly using cluster munitions, escalating the humanitarian crisis. As per report, over 639 Iranians and 24 Israelis have been killed, along with more than 1,500 injured on both sides.