By Mohamed Jamil Derbah, President of the Fuerza Canaria Party and Adviser to the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau
Opinion/Editorial
soldecanarias.net
The recent military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States has brought the world to a worrying reality. The bombs dropped on Iranian nuclear facilities and the intense threats of retaliation have created an atmosphere of tension that cannot be ignored. Amid this uncertainty, the question we must urgently address is: where is this escalation leading us? And more importantly, how can we reverse this path toward a broader war?
Firstly, we must acknowledge that this conflict is not only a challenge for the involved countries but a global risk. Geopolitical interests, religious tensions, and nuclear ambitions have turned the Middle East into a volatile region that, if not handled with the utmost care, could unleash unpredictable consequences. The international community must remember that the cost of war is never measured solely in military terms; it is a war whose price is paid by civilians, economies, and regional stability.
From my perspective as an adviser to African governments and a defender of development and international cooperation, I firmly believe that diplomacy remains the only viable route to stop a total war. It is unacceptable that differences in power and historical tensions are resolved through violence. The recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the threats of future retaliations from Donald Trump are indicative of how we are on the brink of a longer and more devastating conflict. However, it is possible and necessary to open a space for dialogue.
The Path to Peace
The role of the United Nations and other international actors must not be limited to being mere observers. The global community must actively engage to ensure that the parties in conflict understand that diplomacy, not confrontation, is the only way forward. While tensions between Iran and the United States are deep, we cannot allow the history of confrontations and sanctions to continue dictating the future. In a globalized world, a war in the Middle East would affect not only the countries involved but all continents, including those far removed from the region.
It is imperative that world leaders, including those with direct influence over Iran and Israel, take on their responsibilities with a pragmatic approach. Neither an arms race nor the use of force can guarantee a prosperous future. In fact, violence only perpetuates human suffering and international polarization. Therefore, I advocate for the creation of an international mediation platform that includes all key nations, one that does not depend on the imposition of sanctions or unilateral actions but on a collective effort to find a fair and sustainable solution.
The Danger of Nuclear Escalation
Another critical issue that must be urgently addressed is nuclear proliferation. The tension between Iran and the United States, combined with the delicate situation in Israel, makes the possibility of a nuclear conflict more real than ever. The high-powered bombs, such as the ones recently dropped on the Fordow and Natanz facilities, represent a violation of the fundamental principles of global security and, more gravely, increase the risk of nuclear spillover.
It is essential that nuclear powers align themselves to advance towards a stronger and more definitive agreement on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, with no exceptions. We must understand that an arms race only leads to instability, and that disarmament is, in the end, the only way to secure a peaceful future for the generations to come.
The Importance of Regional and Global Commitment
Today, the Middle East stands at a crossroads. It is imperative that its leaders, both in Iran and Israel, understand that peace is not just an option but a necessity. The people of the region, as well as those in neighboring countries, are tired of the suffering caused by endless conflicts. The international community must call for peace, but it must also be willing to offer the necessary economic and political incentives to facilitate a lasting resolution.
African countries, with whom I have worked on development and cooperation initiatives, can play a key role in this process. Through active diplomacy and support for peace initiatives, Africa has the capacity to offer successful examples of conflict resolution that could be useful in the Middle Eastern context.
It is time for us to put aside weapons and immediate geopolitical interests. Military escalation will only lead to more pain, more displaced people, and more human suffering. It is critical that all actors, from the governments of Iran, Israel, and the United States to international organizations, come together in a sincere effort to avoid total war. History has taught us that, while violence may be swift, peace is always more complex, but it is the only option that leads us to a sustainable and just future for all.
