AS hostilities between Iran and Israel continued for the second day on Saturday, following Tel Aviv’s provocative strikes against the Islamic Republic on Friday, many around the world worried about the diminishing chances of de-escalation.

While Israel had struck multiple sites and killed several senior Iranian military leaders and scientists on Friday, Tehran hit back, sending barrages of drones and missiles towards the Zionist state later in the day.

As the conflict grinds on, there are dangers it may expand, particularly if the US gets involved. Such a development would be devastating for the region, sending shockwaves across the globe.

Some media reports say that the US had shipped hundreds of missiles to Israel before the attack on Iran, while there are also indications that American forces helped shoot down Iranian missiles headed for Israel. Tehran has said it will hit American as well as British and French bases if these states defend Tel Aviv.

In the midst of conflict, President Donald Trump must be asked why he did not do more to stop Israel’s attack on Iran. Tel Aviv’s justification that it is waging ‘pre-emptive’ strikes to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb rings hollow, coming from a state believed to have a clandestine nuclear programme itself, and which has violated the sovereignty of nearly all its neighbours.

Mr Trump had billed himself a ‘man of peace’, but in this instance he is standing by as Israeli warmongers, flush with American cash and arms, have embarked on a destructive adventure that can set the Middle East alight.

Even some of Mr Trump’s ardent supporters in the MAGA movement have criticised the Israeli war and potential American involvement. The US president’s calls for Tehran to resume dialogue on the nuclear issue are laughable, especially at a time when Iran is facing an onslaught from America’s key ally.

Similarly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appeals for Iranians to rise up against their government and seek ‘freedom’ are the stuff of black humour, as Israel has killed and injured numerous ordinary Iranians in the ongoing aggression. Mr Netanyahu, so concerned about Iranians’ freedom, clearly does not feel Palestinians are also entitled to life and liberty, as the Gaza genocide has shown.

With prospects for peace looking dim, the world, particularly Iran’s neighbours — including Pakistan and the Middle East states — must be prepared for prolonged geopolitical turbulence and economic tremors. The region is amongst the world’s trade and energy hubs, and if the conflict continues and intensifies, the global order will feel the heat.

Pakistan, as a neighbour of Iran, is particularly vulnerable, and the state must be ready for what lies ahead, while also making efforts to safely bring home Pakistani zaireen and visitors in Iran.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025