West Asia strategist Waiel Awwad on Monday issued a stark warning about the potential global consequences of the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, cautioning that continued escalation could engulf the Gulf region in conflict and destabilise global peace and security.
Speaking to ANI, Awwad underscored Iran’s geopolitical importance and asserted that the United States, despite its show of force, is fully aware of the risks of initiating a full-scale war with Tehran.
“America understands, despite the power display, that Iran is not a small country. It’s a regional power to reckon with. Escalating war with Iran will be devastating—a catastrophe for the whole region. The entire Gulf will be engulfed with fire if the US continues its policy of aggression alongside Israel,” Awwad said.
He also pointed to Iran’s history of retaliation when its sovereignty or leadership is threatened, warning that a response from Tehran is likely inevitable.
“Iran will not sit quiet. It may be waiting, observing, and will choose its moment. Past actions show Iran retaliates,” he noted.
Awwad suggested that the true motives behind the strikes were not limited to halting Iran’s nuclear program, but instead aimed at regime change and strategic control over critical energy and trade corridors like the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
“The nuclear programme is just a pretext. The real American project is about oil, strategic dominance, and reshaping regional order. The Israelis have a similar goal, only differing on the execution. This is not just a regional conflict—it’s a deliberate attempt to create instability for geopolitical control,” he stated.
He accused both the US and Israel of advancing broader strategic ambitions under the guise of nuclear non-proliferation, warning that such actions threaten global trade, regional stability, and international peace.
Awwad’s comments come after the US launched “Operation Midnight Hammer”, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Pentagon, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed the operation was successful and emphasized it was aimed at disabling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
However, Awwad cautioned that the move could ignite uncontrollable escalation if diplomatic restraint is not exercised immediately.
“This isn’t just about West Asia. The consequences will ripple across the world. India, China, Europe—all will feel the fallout if this becomes a broader war,” he warned.
As tensions mount in the already volatile region, Awwad’s remarks reflect growing concern among global experts about the widening scope of the Israel-Iran conflict and its potential to destabilise not just the Middle East, but the global order at large.