In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel has carried out direct airstrikes on Iranian soil-marking a dangerous new phase in its longstanding campaign of military aggression across the Middle East. Reports from Iranian sources indicate the martyrdom of several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. The official narrative claims these strikes aim to thwart Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions. In reality, the objective appears far more comprehensive in dismantling Iran’s military strength and strategic influence across the region.
The irony is stark. The very nations-Israel, the United States, and their Western allies-who possess vast nuclear arsenals now claim moral authority to prevent others from developing similar deterrents. This selective outrage reveals a broader agenda for maintaining a military and geopolitical monopoly in the Middle East.
In the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse in the early 1990s, much of the Arab world began normalising relations with Israel, leaving the Palestinian resistance politically isolated. The U.S.-led invasions of Iraq in 2003, Libya in 2011, and the ongoing conflict in Syria further weakened resistance movements.
From Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and from Ansar Allah in Yemen to militias in Syria and Iraq, Iran invested heavily in building a counterweight to U.S. and Israeli dominance.
Amid this vacuum, Iran stepped in-not as a regional superpower, but as a state determined to support anti-imperialist forces. From Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and from Ansar Allah in Yemen to militias in Syria and Iraq, Iran invested heavily-politically, financially, and militarily-in building a counterweight to U.S. and Israeli dominance.
Despite facing crushing sanctions and diplomatic pressure, Iran has also developed relationships with independent global powers such as Russia, China, Venezuela, and Cuba-all of whom share a resistance to U.S. imperialism. While Tehran has made mistakes, there is little doubt that its support for regional resistance groups is the main reason Israel feels threatened.
The attacks on Iran must be viewed in the context of a declining American empire. As the U.S. faces internal economic crises and a loss of global influence, its strategic alliance with Israel becomes even more critical. The fear in Washington and Tel Aviv is not just Iran’s military strength-but its capacity to inspire a multipolar order that could eventually replace U.S. hegemony.
This is why we’re witnessing coordinated efforts to neutralize every nation that dares oppose the status quo. It is no coincidence that India recently attempted similar tactics against Pakistan, only to have its plans thwarted. The goal across the board is to militarily reshape the region before the current power structure collapses.
Unfortunately, some Western-based dissidents, claiming to speak for human rights and democracy, continue to lobby for American or Israeli intervention in Iran. Their hypocrisy is especially appalling given the genocide unfolding in Gaza. Leaders like Netanyahu, Modi, and Trump do not care about democracy or rights-they are symbols of aggressive nationalism and militarized statecraft.
To seek their assistance in building “freedom” is to completely misunderstand-or willfully ignore-the realities of power. These individuals are not progressives; they are tools of imperialism.
Even as Pakistan celebrates recent diplomatic victories-such as fending off Indian aggression with China’s help-it continues to seek favour from the United States. Our leadership travels to Washington, hoping for investment or strategic favour. But America offers only one thing more war.
Meanwhile, Gulf monarchies have already sold their strategic interests, joining the Western bloc and leaving behind the dream of regional independence. For Pakistan-or any regional nation-to achieve sustainable progress, it must first extricate itself from the orbit of U.S. influence.
It is also time to reevaluate strained ties with Iran. Whatever the past, today’s conflict is a warning what is happening to Iran could one day happen to us. A principled stance now is better than regret later.
Iran has begun retaliatory strikes. The future of this conflict remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that this war has been forced upon Iran for its unwavering support of Palestine. And in this context, every voice of conscience must stand with Iran’s right to defend itself.
Only the Iranian military leadership, under siege and sacrifice, can respond. To support them is to support the broader global fight against imperialism. This is not just Iran’s battle-it is a battle for the dignity, sovereignty, and future of the entire region. Resistance is not a slogan-it is a necessity. The sacrifices being made today will not be forgotten, and a time will come when the Middle East is finally free of occupation and oppression.
The writer is a freelance columnist.