M Santhananaban
The massive joint aerial bombardment of Iran by the US and Israel has set the world on edge.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been assassinated. Other senior figures in Iran’s military and political establishment were also among those killed.
Iran has retaliated, launching strikes on Israel and US assets across the Gulf region.
The murder of Iran’s supreme leader carries serious repercussions for the country. A period of internal turmoil and insecurity is likely to follow. The people of Iran will endure even greater hardship.
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Oman, which had been mediating talks between Iran and the US, said peace was “within reach” just hours before the US-Israeli strikes began. The UN secretary general described the joint military operation as having squandered an opportunity for diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump’s belligerence and resort to force are evident in this conflict. There was no just cause or necessity for war.
The US Congress must act decisively and swiftly to stop this conflict.
The UN’s efforts will be hobbled by the US veto. It is deeply regrettable that, under Trump’s leadership, the US can breach international norms in this way.
Let us hope and pray that this lethal lunacy will be brought to an end soon.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector sector experience.
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