Escalating Crisis: Israel-US Strike Iran, Igniting International Condemnation and Regional Retaliation

Reports are circulating of an Israeli and American attack on Iran, pushing the Middle East to the brink of an immediate crisis. Israel's Defense Minister announced an attack on Iran, while Iranian state media reported three explosions in the capital, Tehran. On social media, strong condemnation from the international community is escalating in response to these events.

Many social media users have pointed out that an attack on a sovereign state without a UN resolution constitutes a violation of international law, with some posts describing it as a "unilateral massacre by Israel and America." There is widespread criticism of Israel and the US for initiating war during negotiations, with strong language such as "cohorts of evil" and "nations never to be trusted again."

Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly stated that he had launched an "operation to remove the existential threat posed by Iran's terror regime" and expressed gratitude for President Donald Trump's "historic leadership." Meanwhile, Iran has declared its intention to "teach Israel and America a historic lesson," raising concerns about escalating tensions. Some reports suggest that Israel and the US attempted to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response to the attack, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Japan issued a strong condemnation, stating, "The apartheid and genocidal Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States have once again launched an unjustified aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is a serious betrayal of diplomacy and a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter."

In response to the situation, the Japanese government established a task force headed by Foreign Minister Motegi, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it is "observing the situation with grave concern." Domestically, there have been increasing calls for the government to urge Israel and the US to cease their attacks and for Japan, as a nation with a peace constitution, to "protest this lawlessness." Many posts express sentiments such as "We hate war" and "No to war," clearly reflecting the strong desire for peace among citizens.

Reports of retaliatory actions from Iran have also surfaced. Some social media users have indicated that Iran bombed US-related facilities in various Middle Eastern countries (including UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq) in retaliation for the Israeli and American airstrikes. This situation led to a Qatar Airways flight from Narita Airport turning back and landing after takeoff.

This latest attack has also sparked questions on social media regarding the dynamic of a nuclear-armed state attacking a non-nuclear state, and the justification claimed by the US and Israel. The movements of the international community are now under close scrutiny.

The context

This article details a sudden and critical escalation in the long-standing tensions between Israel and Iran, with the United States playing a significant supportive role for Israel. The conflict is rooted in a deep historical rivalry, ideological differences, and regional power struggles. Israel views Iran's nuclear program and its support for regional proxy groups (like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza) as an existential threat. Iran, in turn, considers Israel an illegitimate state and a tool of Western influence in the Middle East, often referring to it as the "Zionist regime."

The international community's response is divided, with many nations, particularly those outside the immediate US-Israel alliance, expressing strong condemnation of what they perceive as a violation of international law and national sovereignty. The reference to "UN resolutions" highlights the importance of multilateral consent for military action in international law. Japan, a nation with a pacifist constitution adopted after World War II, often emphasizes diplomacy and peaceful resolution, hence the public's strong anti-war sentiments and calls for its government to protest the actions.

The alleged retaliation by Iran against US facilities in the region underscores the broader implications of this conflict, drawing in other Middle Eastern nations and potentially disrupting global stability and travel. The involvement of former US President Donald Trump in Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement also points to the specific political alliances and rhetoric that characterize this volatile situation.