The Middle East stands at a precipice, with tensions between Iran and Israel escalating to unprecedented levels. The skies over Tehran are pierced by Israeli jets while Tel Aviv reels under Iranian missile barrages. This cross-border conflict, marked by mutual destruction, has shattered illusions of invincibility on both sides. As the region teeters on the brink of a broader catastrophe, the only viable path forward appears to be a return to the negotiating table under Donald Trump’s influence, potentially with Russian and Chinese mediation.
According to Ghassan Charbel, Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the current crisis is a seismic shift in regional dynamics. Charbel argues that both Iran and Israel, once confident in their fortified positions, have been exposed as vulnerable. Israel’s belief in an impregnable fortress crumbled under Iranian missile strikes, while Iran’s assumption of untouchability was shattered by Israeli incursions into its airspace and deep intelligence breaches by Mossad. Charbel highlights pivotal moments like the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the June 13, 2025, strikes on Iran as turning points that shook public faith in their respective governments and militaries, amplifying fear and uncertainty.
The current conflict is not merely a military exchange but a battle of image and perception. When governments appear paralyzed and armies incapable, public trust erodes. For Israel, the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation revealed shocking vulnerabilities despite its advanced arsenal. For Iran, the loss of key military commanders and nuclear scientists under Israeli strikes exposed the fragility of its defenses. This mutual destruction, as Charbel notes, has pushed the region into a dangerous tunnel where neither side can decisively halt the other’s attacks. Escalation threatens not only regional security but also global energy markets, with the potential for closures of vital routes, such as the Hormuz Strait.
The stakes are higher than in any Middle East conflict of the past half-century: the arsenals involved and the potential repercussions dwarf previous wars. Iran’s options are limited; further aggression, such as targeting American bases, would deepen its isolation, while Israel cannot sustain an indefinite war without international backlash. The question remains: did Iran misjudge Trump’s return to the White House and the implications of ignoring his deadlines for a deal? Did it underestimate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resolve and the hostility fueled by past attacks?
Ultimately, the path to resolution lies in diplomacy, not continued warfare. Returning to Trump’s negotiating table offers a chance to redefine Iran’s role, possibly abandoning its nuclear ambitions in exchange for normalized ties with the West. With Russian and Chinese involvement, a balanced approach could emerge. Trump holds the keys—capable of influencing Israel and pressuring Iran. However, as history suggests, his mediation will come at a cost. The Middle East must escape the cycle of death and destruction, respecting sovereignty and rights. Only through such a framework, under Trump’s strategic gaze, can lasting peace be pursued.
Photo: Wikipedia Common