The war nobody can afford: Why the Israel-Iran conflict must end now

The world stands on the edge of a dangerous precipice as the fierce confrontation between Israel and Iran intensifies. What began on Friday, June 13, 2025, with Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities has quickly escalated into a direct, high-stakes conflict that has plunged the region into chaos, putting not just the Middle East but the broader international order at risk.

This ongoing war is not a remote or isolated conflict. It is a flashpoint that threatens the fragile balance of power across the region and has the potential to trigger wider global consequences. With rising energy prices, destabilised markets, disrupted airspace, and the looming possibility of proxy forces joining the fight, the stakes could not be higher.

This confrontation is not a simple bilateral dispute. It is the culmination of years of mistrust, proxy conflicts, and geopolitical rivalries. Yet, the current situation marks a dramatic and direct shift toward open war—far more dangerous than earlier covert operations or proxy engagements.

Civilians bear brunt of violence

Already, civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence. Cities have been targeted. Casualties are rising. Regional alliances are being tested and calls for retaliation or support are growing louder. The potential for this conflict to ignite a broader war involving regional parties or even global powers such as the United States is dangerously high.

This escalation also poses serious threats to global economic stability. The Middle East remains a vital artery for global energy supply. A prolonged war could severely disrupt oil and gas exports, leading to economic shocks that ripple through every continent.

Given the severity of the current situation, it is clear that immediate de-escalation is not just a moral imperative — it is a strategic necessity. War and further military confrontation will not resolve the deep-rooted issues. Rather, it will only deepen suffering, destroy infrastructure, and delay the possibility of long-term peace.

This is not the moment for pride or vengeance. It is a moment for reflection, responsibility, and restraint. It is time for leaders on both sides and for those in the region and the international community, to step back from the brink and begin the difficult but essential process of restoring dialogue.

Despite the intensity of the current violence, peace remains within reach. Viable pathways toward negotiation and conflict resolution still exist — provided there is sufficient political will and international support.

Neutral actors such as Switzerland, the UAE, Oman, or even the United Nations could facilitate initial back-channel dialogues to reestablish communication between the parties. While previous negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme have faltered, key elements of those frameworks can be revived, incorporating updated guarantees and broader regional participation.

Confidence-building measures

Both sides could also take confidence-building measures, including halting airstrikes, allowing humanitarian aid corridors, and accepting international inspections. These low-risk steps could help reduce the risk of further escalation.

In the longer term, the Middle East requires a new multilateral security framework — an inclusive regional platform where nations can address common threats, from terrorism to environmental challenges, through cooperation rather than conflict.

This war must not be allowed to define the future of the region. History has shown time and again that military solutions to conflicts and problems are rarely lasting. Both parties must reconsider their strategic priorities. Is sustained conflict truly in their national interest? Or does peace, difficult though it may be, offer greater long-term security and stability?

Regional countries and major powers, especially the United States, the European Union, China, and Russia, must act swiftly. Silence or neutrality in the face of open warfare is not an option. Diplomatic pressure, humanitarian aid, and strategic mediation must all be deployed to contain the conflict and open a path forward.

This war has already caused devastation, and if allowed to continue, it could escalate beyond imagination. The danger is not only regional — it is global. The moment has come for courage not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table. All parties involved must pause, reflect, and choose the path of peace over destruction.

Ayesha AlRemeithi is Senior researcher/ Director of Research Department, TRENDS Research & Advisory