The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its third week and the situation is becoming more serious. Many want this war to end as soon as possible, but the question remains, on what terms? The tensions have widened conflict in the Middle East, with involvement of Gulf countries and groups, with each having its own interests. The conflict is affecting not only the region but also the whole world, as people are worried about safety, energy supply, oil prices, and regional stability.
What Does The US Want?
US President Donald Trump, who ordered airstrikes, seems to want many things out of this war. His aim oscillates between curtailment of Iran's nuclear programme, to Tehran’s surrender to all US and Israeli demands, to the total collapse of the Islamic Republic regime. However, none of these have actually happened. While Washington claims to have severely weakened Iran’s military, Tehran continues to retaliate. The blocking of Strait of Hormuz, rising global oil prices and condemnation in the country have mounted pressure on Trump to end this war as nothing seems to be achieved.
The US wanted to overthrow Islamic Republic, bringing a democratically elected government in the picture that no longer posed a threat to its people or its neighbours. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally – again – obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," Trump said on the first day of strike.
What Does Iran Want?
Iran wants the war to end quickly, but without surrendering to Washington's demands. Earlier, in a post on X, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the Middle East. In his conversation with Russia and Pakistan Prime Ministers, Pezeshkian outlined three conditions to end the ongoing "war." The demands include recognising the legitimate rights of Iran, payment of reparations, and international guarantees against future military aggression. Tehran is also seeking a guarantee that neither the US nor Israel will strike the country again after the current conflict ends. It has demanded compensation for wrongful acts, injuries, or damages during the conflict.
Iran has a powerful position in the ongoing conflict due to its longest coastline in the Gulf region, which gives it an advantage to threaten shipping across the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% of the world's oil supplies.
Israel
Israel, the third country directly involved in the conflict, has a goal to stop Iran from becoming too powerful, especially in terms of weapons and military strength. Their main objective is to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities and deal a significant blow to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases. Israel sees Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear ambition as an existential threat to its regional interests.
Gulf Countries
Gulf Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are mostly trying to avoid being pulled into the conflict, as they want stability and peace. Their biggest concern is to have safe passage for their oil tankers, vessels, along with peace and stability in the region.