The resurgence of Iran’s nuclear aspirations is raising concerns not only in Israel but also throughout Asia and the rest of the world on the high-stakes chessboard of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The potential for Iran to obtain a nuclear warhead might serve as the catalyst for a regional arms race, which would have disastrous worldwide repercussions.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, reaffirmed earlier this month his long-standing and divisive stance that the Jewish state “must be eradicated.” Such claims are more than just hyperbole. They act as sobering reminders of the stakes in relation to Tehran’s uranium enrichment program and the protracted nuclear agreement with the West.
It makes sense that Israel views this as an existential threat. Its recent precision strikes, which have targeted Iranian-affiliated installations in Syria and clandestine activities within Iran, are defensive in character. They are desperate attempts to neutralise what it perceives to be a ticking nuclear time bomb, not just shows of might.
However, this goes beyond Israel and Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already threatened Riyadh will retaliate if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon. In the Middle East, which is already riven by proxy conflicts, sectarian conflict, and precarious governmental structures, this would signal the beginning of a perilous proliferation trend.
Other countries like Turkey, Egypt, or even South Asian regional actors would feel pressured to join the nuclear club if this chain reaction continues. A bilateral conflict could turn into a global security emergency.
Ironically and tragically, the globe is still plagued by Cold War-era worries of mutually assured destruction in a time when artificial intelligence, climate action, and sustainable development should be our shared priorities. Once heralded as a pillar of international security, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is currently undergoing unprecedented testing.
From the standpoint of a global citizen, now is the moment for regional players and world powers to strengthen their diplomatic efforts, redouble their efforts to monitor nuclear weapons, and give de-escalation first priority. Neither military actions nor economic sanctions by themselves will be effective. A coordinated, open effort headed by the UN and supported by genuine political will is required.
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki is important. There are too many wounds from nuclear war to take a chance. The last thing we need in a world already beset by economic disparity, humanitarian crises, and climate crises is another nuclear weapons race, especially one that is fuelled by unbridled ambition and old grudges.