Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran serves two immediate objectives: torpedo the US and Iran diplomatic initiative/engagement to resolve the Iran nuclear issue by diplomatic means; derail the France and Saudi joint initiative to organise a UN meeting scheduled for this week on the two-state solution.
Israel succeeded in achieving both objectives – at this stage there is no prospect of diplomatic initiative going forward. It is reported that France and Saudi’s UN meeting is no longer going ahead. Israel next objectives are to drag the US directly into the conflicts and to change the Iranian regime.
The US is already providing support, but it will depend on the dynamics of the US internal audience/politics and Iran’s action; however regime change is a too remote possibility.
At this stage the countries in the global south including the gulf region/GCC countries have condemned Israel unprovoked attacks on Iran military and nuclear facilities, while the UK, France and the US and traditional allies of Israel in the West are committed to Israel’s defence.
Israel unprecedented attacks on Iran nuclear and military facilities are a dangerous escalation of already volatile situations, and it is very likely that this will destabilise the whole Middle East. The G7 meeting this week , which will give us an indication of how long or which way the Israel – Iran war will come to an end.
Khaled Noor, 15th June 2025, London