Khoon apna ho ya paraaya ho, nasal-e-aadm ka khoon hai aakhir.
Jang mashriq mein ho ki maghrib mein, amn-e-aalam ka khoon hai aakhir.
Bam gharon par giren ki sarhad par, rooh-e-tameer zakhm khaati hai.
Khet apne jalen ki auron ke, jeest faakon se tilmilati hai.
Tank aage badhen ki peeche hatten, kokh dharti ki banjh hoti hai.
Fatah ka jashn ho ki haar ka soug, zindagi mayyaton pe roti hai.
These lines by Sahir Ludhianvi convey the devastating consequences of war. The outcomes of war are extremely serious—they change the nature of nations and affect the lives of millions of people. Wars cause widespread human suffering, taking the lives of both soldiers and civilians. Such tragic losses destabilize millions of families and communities, leaving them with lifelong grief and tears.
The Russia–Ukraine war was already ongoing. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel, in a fit of war frenzy, violated international rules by attacking Iran in an attempt to bring about regime change there.
Both leaders, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, have hands stained with blood. Donald Trump, a Nobel Peace Prize contender, has transformed the U.S. into a malevolent superpower, while Netanyahu is already wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Amid all this, Afghanistan surprised everyone by attacking the Nurkhan military base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, his family, and over 40 commanders, Iran has been striking U.S. bases in Tel Aviv and the Gulf with missiles. It has even deployed Houthi and Hezbollah Shia militias in proxy wars, making this conflict extremely destructive.
In response to Iranian attacks, NATO, France, Germany, and the U.K. are now preparing to enter the war, which ensures further escalation. The United States and Israel have justified their attacks on Iran as efforts to destroy its nuclear program, missile capabilities, and to enforce regime change. Now, the biggest question is whether Iran will witness a change in leadership following Khamenei’s death.
It is true that there has been widespread anger among Iranians against Khamenei’s rule. Millions had taken to the streets to protest against him. Yet the issue now is also one of national pride. Nations tend to unite under their flags when faced with external attacks.
Iran is not Venezuela. To ensure continuity of governance, the constitutional process has already begun in Iran. Ali Reza Khamenei has been appointed interim Supreme Leader, and new defense ministers and military commanders have assumed office. Though Iran is suffering losses from these attacks, it has shocked global powers by targeting 11 countries simultaneously, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
As a result of this large-scale conflict, crude oil prices have already surged by 13 percent, and stock markets have collapsed. Concerns about disruptions in global energy supply are becoming real. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, which is considered the lifeline of global oil and gas supply. Iran has begun targeting oil tankers in the Strait.
If crude oil prices rise excessively, the world will bear the consequences. Whenever such situations have arisen—whether during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War or the 1979 Islamic Revolution—disruptions in oil supply have led to global recessions and inflation. The Russia–Ukraine war has also created crises worldwide. India has stocked up on cheaper oil from Russia, so there is no immediate threat, but a prolonged war would inevitably affect India. Iran has historically been a key partner for India in Central Asia.
Through the Chabahar Port, India is creating access not only to this region but also to Europe. However, imperialist America and expansionist Israel have collectively disrupted India’s plans. Last year’s 12-day Israel–Iran conflict has now escalated into a far more dangerous war.
The biggest question remains: How long can the international system tolerate the lawlessness of the U.S. and Israel? Iran is proving to be a complex and resilient country. Humanity will have to bear the true cost of this war. Nearly ten million Indians reside in the Gulf countries, and India is deeply concerned about their safety.
Disruptions to normal functioning could also affect remittances sent by Indians abroad. Indians living in the Gulf could be caught in the crossfire and may be forced to leave. A mass return of Indians is not feasible simultaneously. Rising demand for foreign currency could weaken the rupee, potentially increasing India’s import bill by up to $15 billion. The world seems to be moving toward a jungle-like order, with the smell of gunpowder in the air. International organizations, including the United Nations, appear helpless, and many countries are diplomatically uneasy.
America and Israel attacked Iran to eliminate opposition and establish a government favorable to their interests. No one can escape the consequences of this war. If the conflict in the Middle East continues and escalates to conditions resembling a world war, the ramifications will be far-reaching. At present, Iran is like a wounded lion, ready to sacrifice for its sovereignty and existence. It has been continuously targeting air and naval bases of U.S.-aligned countries such as Britain, France, and others.
For the United States and Israel, the stakes could prove extremely costly. Efforts must be made to stop the war to protect humanity. America and Israel must be restrained, or even the remnants of a rules-based international order could be completely destroyed.
