Instead of stabilising, tensions in the Middle East are escalating by the day. The region’s two most entrenched rivals—Iran and Israel—are hardening their positions, raising fears of the emergence of a new and dangerous front.

According to the recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the country has launched an operation, 'Rising Lion', overnight against Iran’s nuclear facilities, a move that could deliver a deadly surprise to Tehran. Previously, Washington had voiced concern over Israel’s intentions, signalling anxiety about an operation that could plunge the region into a broader conflict. The United States had even extended a fresh offer to Tehran to resume nuclear negotiations, marking what would be the sixth such round, and had expressed hope for a constructive outcome.

Nevertheless, the US's approach stood in sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s hardline stance during its first term, when Washington not only imposed severe sanctions on Iran in 2018 but also authorised the targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Then, the US stood at the........

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