Another Chapter of Conflict Opens in West Asia as the US Attacks Iran

Global affairs experienced roller-coaster events this week. The conflict between Iran and Israel reached a climax following the US's attack on three critical nuclear sites in Iran using its deadly B-2 stealth bombers.

- ANSHU JOSHI

This attack was unforeseen, especially since just a day prior, Trump had declared a "two weeks of diplomatic pause" before making any decisions regarding an attack on Iran. The US subsequently referred to this operation as "Operation Hammer," aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities.

Although Iran reported minimal damage and the IAEA indicated no radiation around the sites, it was clear from various images, videos, and news reports that Iran likely suffered significant losses after American bunker buster bombs struck the three vital nuclear sites.

In response, Iran launched attacks against Israel, followed by an assault on the US base in Qatar. Notably, Iran provided advance notice of its attack on the base, given Qatar's status as a close ally.

The entire situation took another unforeseen twist when Trump declared a "truce" between Israel and Iran. Nevertheless, both nations violated the ceasefire and resumed hostilities against one another.

Despite Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, the conflict appears far from resolution. Meanwhile, Indian defence minister Shri Rajnath Singh refrained from signing the joint declaration at the SCO summit held in China this week, citing the absence of any reference to the horrific Palahgam attack.

Shri Singh also conveyed a firm message against adhering to double standards in addressing the issue of terrorism.

The recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran began when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran might soon develop its nuclear weapons.