M Santhananaban
As the US–Israeli war on Iran passes its 100th day, the gap between diplomacy and reality could hardly be wider.
US President Donald Trump has continued to project confidence about negotiations with Tehran, speaking recently of a possible meeting with Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iranian officials have dismissed any such suggestion. Meanwhile, despite the ceasefire of 8 April, attacks and strikes by both sides have continued with little let-up.
The contradiction is glaring and getting harder to ignore.
A war that keeps spreading
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN), Maybank a/c 507246118995 or CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
Iran has been widening the scope of the conflict beyond its own borders. The drone and missile strike on Kuwait’s international airport on 3 June was a stark reminder of how far Tehran’s reach now extends – and how exposed US facilities and Gulf states remain.
The US and Israel, for their part, have continued to inflict heavy damage on Gaza, Lebanon and the Iran-Hormuz region.
The world economy has not been spared either, with the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz sending shockwaves through global oil markets and supply chains.
Netanyahu as obstacle
Strains in US-Israeli relations have been developing for some time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is increasingly seen – not just by outside observers, but by Trump himself – as an obstacle to any negotiated settlement.
Israel’s unrelenting attacks on Lebanon, and the impunity with which it has continued to operate in Gaza, have put that relationship under serious strain.
Pressure from the US Congress for Trump to end this costly and wasteful war is likely to grow.
Both countries need to be restrained if peace is to have any chance.
A turning point?
Then came a significant shift. On 7 June, Iran fired a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles at northern Israel, in what Tehran clearly intended as a signal that it will not accept the current ceasefire arrangement indefinitely.
Trump’s response was telling. He said Netanyahu “won’t have any choice” but to accept whatever deal Washington reaches with Iran. “I call the shots. I call all the shots,” he said bluntly. “He doesn’t call the shots.”
With the war entering its 100th day, inconclusive and deeply controversial, it is likely that Trump will now apply more pressure. Whether Netanyahu will comply – and whether that will be enough to finally bring this war to an end – remains the central question hanging over the region.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
