US-Iran conflict and global disorder

The world is becoming an increasingly insecure place for humanity. The inability of the United Nations to effectively address crises in Venezuela, Iran, Greenland, Ukraine, Gaza Strip, Sudan and Kashmir has severely undermined the credibility of the international system. The recent joint military actions by the US and Israel against Iran represent a troubling development, raising serious questions about respect for international law at a time when the world most urgently requires collective security mechanisms to function effectively. Such confrontations risk intensifying instability in the Middle East and increasing the possibility of a wider regional conflict.

Israel's actions against Iran further exposed the fragility of international law and the declining authority of global institutions tasked with maintaining peace. The UN, which is supposed to act as the guardian of collective security, increasingly appears unable to restrain powerful states acting outside its framework. The attacks on Iran were a direct violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel's continued military operations in Gaza as well as cross-border actions in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen highlight persistent tensions across the Middle East

The policies of President Donald Trump also unsettled traditional alliances. His administration appeared willing to challenge the sovereignty of allied countries, including the UK, while questioning the relevance of NATO. His threats of imposing severe tariffs on European allies, along with controversial statements about acquiring Greenland, strained transatlantic relations. The historic "special relationship" between Washington and London - often symbolised by meetings at Windsor Castle - appeared increasingly fragile.

In contrast, Canada declined to participate in military action against Iran, reflecting growing differences among Western allies regarding the use of force. Washington's policies also reinforced perceptions in the Muslim world that many oil-rich states remained heavily dependent on American strategic protection. When Iran came under attack by the US and Israel, the limited response from many Muslim-majority governments reinforced the perception that regional leadership often operates under the influence of Washington. Similar patterns were evident during the US-led interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Israel's military operations in Syria in recent past. However, this time the US adventure would not work because President Trump dragged American people into a reckless and illegal war without the consent of Congress. He violated international law and the US Constitution by bombing a sovereign state and thereby assassinating its leader and killing 185 innocent schoolgirls. He backed the Israeli aggression and killed Iran's top leadership using intelligence sharing between India's RAW and Israel's Mossad in surveillance operations.

Despite years of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Iran responded forcefully to the attacks by invoking its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Its retaliatory strikes against strategic targets reportedly triggered explosions in Tel Aviv and other military installations, demonstrating the country's growing missile capabilities and strategic deterrence. Iran also targeted military facilities in the Gulf states, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of American defence systems deployed across the Gulf. These developments increased uncertainty regarding Washington's ability to guarantee regional security in the Gulf. Many governments in the region now recognise that reliance on external powers carries significant strategic risks. The evolving geopolitical landscape therefore presents a critical opportunity for Muslim-majority countries to pursue greater unity and strategic autonomy rather than becoming instruments in broader geopolitical rivalries. Muslim countries need to demonstrate their unity and ability to understand the changing dynamics of evolving global order.

Effective closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran further pressurised the Trump administration because it proved catastrophic for global energy needs causing a high rise in oil prices. This narrow 33km shipping route is one of the important waterways that account for the passage of 20% of the world's oil cargos and gas supplies. The most shocking news for the US was that Tehran allowed some oil tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz on the condition that the oil cargo would have to be traded only in Chinese yuan. It could represent a historic shift in the global economic balance causing enormous consequences for the global financial system based on petrodollar which has been used as US instrument of power and key to dominate international trade and influence global economy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced widespread international criticism over human rights violations in Gaza. His confrontational policy towards Iran appeared partly aimed at presenting Tehran's military and nuclear capability as a major threat to Western security interests. Nevertheless, people across the world have begun to see Israel as the primary catalyst for global destruction. The resignation of Joe Kent, the head of NCTC, exposed the truth that Iran did not pose threat to the US. He highlighted the chilling fact that the world must know that the US war on Iran was instigated entirely for the benefit of Israel. The conflict, he said, was orchestrated by powerful Israeli lobbies responsible for the assassination of Ali Larijani who publicly warned the international community that the US was plotting an internal 9/11-like attack to justify a full-scale war against Iran.

Pakistan's critical role in facilitating a two-week-long ceasefire between the US and Iran was acknowledged by the world community. Pakistan has provided great opportunity to world community to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war through the diplomatic means ensuring the peace and avert global energy crisis.

United Nations Security Council needs to facilitate diplomatic dialogue initiated by Pakistan to deal with crisis prevent the erosion of international law with the active support of China, Russia, UK, France, Germany, Japan to unite for lasting peace and maintenance of balance in the global power structure.