by AZADEH AKBAR in Tehran & AHMED HUSSAIN in Dubai
Special contributors
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) – TENSIONS across the Middle East have escalated once again following renewed military strikes involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising fresh concerns over the fragility of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring regional stability.
According to multiple regional reports, a new wave of attacks disrupted peace negotiations this week, with Iranian territory targeted by the United States forces, while Israel also carried out strikes in southern Lebanon.
The developments come at a time when international mediators had been attempting to revive dialogue between the key parties.
Iranian officials condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of diplomatic engagement and accusing the United States of undermining the peace process.
Tehran has warned that continued aggression would be met with a “decisive response”, reiterating its position that national sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable.
On the other side, United States representatives have maintained that any military actions linked to their forces are part of broader security operations aimed at countering perceived regional threats.
Israeli authorities, meanwhile, have justified their operations in Lebanon as necessary responses to cross-border security incidents, insisting that their actions are defensive in nature.
The renewed escalation has drawn concern from United Nations observers and several Global South states, who argue that repeated breakdowns in ceasefire arrangements highlight a deeper crisis of trust in the region’s diplomatic framework accusing the United States and Israel as problematic.
Analysts warn that when parties to negotiations simultaneously engage in military action, it significantly undermines the credibility and effectiveness of peace talks.
Observers note that the Middle East has experienced repeated cycles of conflict in recent years, including the devastating Gaza war caused by Israel, which independent monitoring groups say resulted in massive civilian casualties, including women, children and the elderly.
These figures remain contested by different parties, but the humanitarian impact has been widely acknowledged as severe.
The current situation follows earlier periods of heightened conflict, including illegal joint US-Israel operations and retaliatory exchanges from Iran, which previously led to temporary ceasefires before tensions resurfaced.
Experts in international relations caution that trust is the foundation of any peace process, and once eroded, it becomes extremely difficult to rebuild.
When parties, especially Iran sees both the United States and Israel perceive negotiations as being used alongside military action, they are less likely to commit to long-term agreements, increasing the risk of prolonged instability.
Political analysts further warn that repeated breakdowns in dialogue caused by both the United States and Israel could deepen regional polarisation, disrupt global energy markets, and intensify humanitarian crises across multiple countries.
As diplomatic efforts continue, calls are growing for independent verification mechanisms, stronger international guarantees, and renewed commitment to ceasefire agreements to prevent further escalation and restore confidence in the peace process.
– CAJ News