The clashes between Israel and Iran that have been going on for two days are being watched with great concern around the world. While the war bells rising again in the Middle East have the potential to upset the balance in the region, Israel's "real purpose" in launching these attacks has begun to be discussed.
The Toll of the Conflict and the Nuclear Leak Alarm
As tensions escalated, Iran responded to Israel's attacks with missile attacks. 20 Iranians, including 78 senior commanders, lost their lives in Israel's airstrikes. According to initial reports, 3 Israelis lost their lives in Iran's retaliation.
The escalation of the conflict has led to Iran sounding the alarm about a nuclear leak, raising the possibility of a full-scale war in the Middle East and raising concerns that it could turn into a global crisis.
Israel's Goal: To Draw the US Into War?
Analysts are questioning Israel's intentions in launching these attacks at a time when hopes for an agreement between the US and Iran are emerging. According to the analysis, it is claimed that Israel's main aim is to start a permanent conflict with Iran and to involve the US in this conflict.
Supporting this theory, Shahram Akbarzadeh, Director of the Alfred Deakin Institute's Middle East Studies Forum, said: "Israel relies on the US's commitment to security when the conflict begins. So the US will inevitably be dragged in." This comment reinforces the idea that Israel is trying to manipulate US regional policies for its own interests.
US Position and Trump's Statement
The US administration stated that the attacks were carried out unilaterally by Israel and that they were not directly involved in these attacks. However, former President Donald Trump's statement that he was aware of the attacks and supported Israel complicated the US position on this issue.
It remains unclear whether the US will provide military support to Israel in this conflict. While Washington is observed to be taking a cautious approach in order not to further escalate tensions in the region, the extent to which Israel's move will affect the US will become clear in the coming days.
While this escalating tension in the Middle East once again reveals the fragility of the political and military balances in the region, the efforts of global actors to find a solution through diplomacy and dialogue are of great importance.
