The Middle East Crisis: The Dangerous Escalation of the Zionist State and the Nuclear Threat
Hamid Reza Asefi
Former foreign Ministry spokesman
Over 70 years have passed since the establishment of the Zionist regime of Israel, and during this time, the birthplace of three great monotheistic religions—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—has been denied peace. Israel has systematically violated the rights of Palestinians, depriving them of the chance to lead a normal life economically, politically, and culturally. Unfortunately, the unwavering support from the United States and certain European nations, coupled with the silence of other countries and the inaction of the international community, has only emboldened the Israeli government further.
The recent violence in Palestine and Lebanon is a continuation of the same brutal policies that have plagued the region for decades. Once a cradle of civilization and a symbol of peaceful coexistence among various ethnicities and religions, the Middle East has now become a region marred by violence, bloodshed, and hatred. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has become one of the most reviled figures globally, and the state’s strategy for his survival—rooted in terror, assassinations, and systematic killings—underscores the moral decay of its policies.
What is even more alarming is the unacceptable passivity of the United Nations Security Council, which has consistently failed to uphold its fundamental responsibilities. The events unfolding in Gaza are not mere acts of war but clear examples of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Over 42,000 people have been killed, half of whom are women and children. To label this atrocity simply as a conflict is a gross understatement.
The comments from the Israeli Minister of Energy, hinting at the use of nuclear weapons against the defenseless population of Gaza, are particularly alarming. The international community’s deafening silence in the face of these threats has emboldened Israel to the point where it even dares to threaten the United Nations Secretary-General with personal consequences, declaring him “persona non grata” and opposing the extension of his term.
Moreover, the escalating nuclear tensions in the region pose a grave threat not only to the Middle East but to global security as well. It is imperative to prioritize a comprehensive disarmament policy and the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. This remains a central and steadfast goal of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Since the mid-20th century, the world has not witnessed an entity as aggressive and war-mongering as the Zionist regime. It is deeply troubling that the international community, particularly the United Nations, continues to exhibit an unprecedented level of passivity and weakness in response to these actions.
In response to these developments, the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in extensive negotiations with the E3, the European Union, the United States, China, and Russia for over a decade. These talks culminated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, a historic agreement aimed at addressing nuclear tensions in the region. However, despite Iran’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial agreement, Western parties, particularly the United States, have demonstrated immoral and self-serving behavior, undermining the progress made.
Historical precedents, such as the U.S. invasion of Iraq under the pretext of nuclear weapons or its deceptive actions in Libya, serve as a reminder of Washington’s unprincipled foreign policies. Under the JCPOA, military sanctions were to be lifted five years after the agreement, while missile sanctions and restrictions on certain individuals and entities were to be lifted eight years after its implementation.
Following President Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, European powers failed to fulfill their obligations, adopting a passive stance despite the Trump administration’s aggressive policies. The E3 nations not only refused to honor the JCPOA but also failed to uphold UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Despite holding permanent seats on the Security Council, both the UK and France claimed an inability to enforce their commitments.
Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and the subsequent obstructionism created numerous challenges, not only for Iran but also for the United States itself. Although Iran faced economic hardships due to harsh sanctions, it was ultimately the U.S. administration that suffered the most from these misguided actions. Regrettably, Trump continues to use hostile rhetoric against Iran as part of his current presidential campaign. He would do well to reflect on his past mistakes, which have been acknowledged by even his own officials, and the negative consequences these actions have had for both the U.S. and the world.
Recent inflammatory statements from Israeli officials, including David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), suggest a growing willingness to engage in dangerous nuclear rhetoric, even though any military strike on nuclear facilities is strictly prohibited under international law. Those who possess the most nuclear facilities should be the most mindful of their vulnerability; those living in glass houses should not throw stones.
The JCPOA is set to conclude in October 2025, permanently terminating UN Resolution 2231 and its associated sanctions. As former U.S. diplomat William Burns noted in his book The Back Channel, the most critical tactic in American diplomacy has been the use of pressure, often involving morally questionable actions, as seen in cases like Libya and NATO’s expansion. The continued threat of using the JCPOA’s “Snapback” mechanism further undermines the agreement, while Europe, by exploiting Iran’s economy, attempts to exert undue pressure on the country. Despite these pressures, Iran’s economy has grown by 5.5% in the past year.
While Iran prefers a cooperative approach with international agencies, it remains prepared for adverse conditions. Unfortunately, even the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency has demonstrated bias in fulfilling his duties, despite his pretenses of impartiality and independence.
In response to these unjust actions, Iran’s parliament passed the “Law of Strategic Action to Lift Sanctions and Protect the Rights of the Iranian Nation” in February 2021. This strategic law marks a potential shift in Iran’s policies should Western nations continue to impose sanctions. The more the West pressures Iran, the more Iran is compelled to enhance its capabilities.
In this tumultuous global landscape, mutual understanding with Iran is critical to preventing further deterioration of international relations. The ongoing Middle East crisis, the crimes of the Zionist regime, and the war in Ukraine underscore the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue. Europe must reassess its cost-benefit calculations regarding Iran and abandon unrealistic expectations. During a recent visit to Vienna, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization chief, Mr. Eslami, reiterated Iran’s readiness for cooperation, and what Iran expects from the international community was made clear to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
To rebuild trust and revive the JCPOA, Europe must approach the agreement from a perspective of mutual interest and empathy. Israel has become an increasingly burdensome entity for the West. Supporting a regime that blatantly disregards international norms is unsustainable: the path to Tel Aviv is a dead end.
In conclusion, the threat posed by Israel’s nuclear ambitions must not be underestimated. The United States and Europe must not lose sight of the grave dangers posed by this irresponsible regime.
