Middle East Conflict Escalates: Fears of Wider War Grow as US, Israel and Iran Exchange Strikes; Calls for Urgent Peace Talks Intensify
Tehran (Agency): The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is becoming increasingly dangerous with each passing day, raising global concerns about the possibility of a wider regional war.
Strategic analysts participating in international discussions have warned that continued escalation between major powers could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Some experts have even cautioned that if tensions spiral further, the situation could reach the level of nuclear confrontation, which would result in unprecedented destruction and loss of life across several countries.
Analysts emphasise that war invariably brings devastation to all sides, including those that may appear victorious.
Beyond military losses, wars leave deep humanitarian scars — entire families are torn apart, communities are destroyed, and the emotional and social damage often takes generations to heal.
Experts argue that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, urging all concerned nations to show restraint and return to the negotiating table.
According to reports, the conflict intensified on Saturday when the United States carried out strikes on several defence-related installations in Iran.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting locations it described as military facilities linked to the US presence in the Gulf region.
Reports indicate that drone and missile strikes targeted sites in Saudi Arabia, with injuries reported among US personnel stationed there.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Iran allegedly targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia using drones and missiles, resulting in injuries to 15 US soldiers, five of whom were reported to be in critical condition.
Iran has also claimed to have launched missile strikes on locations including Tel Aviv as well as strategic sites in Kuwait, Oman and Dubai.
Iranian authorities further stated that an anti-drone defence system in Dubai was damaged during the strikes.
Additional claims suggested attacks on infrastructure in Oman’s port city of Salalah and damage to radar systems near Kuwait International Airport. Independent verification of some of these claims remains limited.
The United States has maintained a long-standing military presence in the Middle East, operating several airbases across the region where American forces are permanently deployed.
Following the escalation of hostilities, additional US forces were reportedly sent to these bases under the direction of Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran remains fully committed to defending its sovereignty and national interests.
During a telephone conversation with Sergey Lavrov, Araghchi stated that Iran considers it its legal right to take measures in strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, in response to what it described as acts of aggression.
Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, residential areas, and culturally significant sites, allegations that have further heightened tensions.
Statements issued by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of strong retaliation against any further attacks and emphasised that Iran would continue responding decisively to perceived threats.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route, has once again become a focal point of concern.
Iranian authorities stated that any disruption in this key maritime passage is a consequence of ongoing hostilities and warned that the region could become increasingly unstable if tensions continue to escalate.
International observers stress that prolonged military confrontation risks drawing additional countries into the conflict, potentially destabilising global energy supplies and security frameworks.
Many analysts and diplomatic experts continue to urge restraint, warning that escalation could lead to irreversible humanitarian and economic consequences.
Global calls for peace negotiations have grown stronger, with experts emphasising that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to prevent further destruction and loss of human life.
