The eruption of war in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, has generated waves of speculation and analysis across the world. From Dhaka to New York, discussions range from strategic calculations to conspiracy theories. In Bangladesh, the discourse has largely focused on the implications for regional stability, energy security, and the broader international order. As a country highly dependent on imported energy, particularly oil and gas, Bangladesh has a keen interest in understanding the causes and consequences of the current conflict.

Since the first shots were fired in the escalating confrontation, multiple narratives have emerged. Some theorists suggest the war is part of a larger United States strategy to counter China, aimed at controlling Gulf oil and maritime trade routes. Others posit that US President Donald Trump orchestrated events in the region to serve political and electoral ends, potentially leaving Gulf nations to face the consequences. Another line of thought argues that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu manipulated US decision-making to serve Israel’s strategic objectives. A fourth theory claims that the war’s purpose is to elevate Israel’s regional role while undermining the Palestinian cause.

While these narratives capture attention, Bangladesh observes that such theories often oversimplify complex realities. From a practical standpoint, the conflict in Iran is rooted in longstanding tensions, historical grievances, and persistent proxy wars. Over the last few decades, Iran has been engaged in regional maneuvers through its influence in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. These activities, coupled with its nuclear ambitions and missile programs, have increasingly alarmed Washington and its allies, leading to the current escalation. The conflict, therefore, cannot be reduced to a mere proxy for US-China competition, although such geopolitical frameworks provide some context.

For decades, analysts have also debated the notion of an alleged “Israeli-Iranian coordination,” often........

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