Middle East Conflict: How Iran is Devastating World Superpowers - By Abba Abubakar Yakubu

In just one week, a devastating conflict has erupted in the Middle East between the United States and Israel on one side, and the Islamic Re...

In just one week, a devastating conflict has erupted in the Middle East between the United States and Israel on one side, and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the other. This is a clash long anticipated due to the persistently sour relations between the US and Iran, exacerbated by America's unwavering support for its client state, Israel, in oppressing Palestinians and the mujahideen of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel brazenly flouts international law, posing a threat to neighbouring Arab states allied with it.

Any observer of Middle East events knows the extent of US exploitation of Arab nations—seizing their economic resources, meddling in their domestic politics, and imposing security restrictions. This has reached a point where these countries and their leaders act merely as puppets, serving the whims of global superpowers.

The Islamic Republic of Iran stands alone as the region's backbone, thanks to the Islamic Revolution that transformed the country over 40 years ago, reshaping its politics, economy, and society. Despite past security challenges—from the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq insurgency, the US-orchestrated eight-year war with Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and covert sabotage by the US and Israel aimed at toppling the Islamic government led by figures like late Ayatollah Khomeini and his successor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—these efforts have failed to weaken Iran's global influence.

Iran's growing military strength, advanced weaponry, science, technology, and medicine has made it a major threat in the eyes of these superpowers to their Middle East dominance. Iranian leaders have vowed not to yield to the US and Israel until they liberate Al-Aqsa Mosque and withdraw from occupied Muslim lands like Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. Yet despite Iran's valiant struggle to defend Islamic freedom and dignity, Arab leaders have withheld the unity and support it needs. Instead, they undermine it, covertly aiding the US and Israel to clip its wings.

These include Saudi Arabia, seen as a beacon for the global Muslim ummah, which continue to provide bases for US forces, missiles, and warplanes in their territories—threatening Iran while compromising their own security.

Iran's nuclear ambitions have become a primary concern for the US and Israel, who fear that if their key regional ally acquires such weapons, it could neutralise their power or secure outright victory. Thus, they impose escalating sanctions to halt Iran's progress in nuclear, science, and technology. This has plunged the country into dire economic straits and hardship, severely impacting citizens' livelihoods.

The US and Israel have repeatedly exploited domestic political opposition and fifth columnists within Iran—secretly backed by Western powers—to incite internal unrest, anti-government protests over living costs, and regime change plots. However, these have failed; loyal revolutionary guards and security forces remain steadfast defenders of the Islamic system. Strong religious leadership has further solidified national unity, upholding the revolution's founding principles and Islamic values.

Despite intensifying international pressure and restrictions over its nuclear programme, the US and Israel remain unsatisfied, resorting to open war under pretexts of Iran aiding groups like Hamas and Hezbollah with arms and funds to attack Israel.

Israel's June 2025 strike on Iran—met with retaliation from June 13 to 24, followed by urgent mediation to quell the ensuing firestorm—prompted the US and Israel to recalibrate and strike harder. Their goal: shatter Iran's power, destroy its nuclear facilities and weapon programmes, preventing it from gaining decisive strength.

The joint US-Israel assault on Iran during the holy month of Ramadan on February 28, 2026—including the assassination of the Islamic Revolution's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top commanders—has opened the door to what the world now sees as a potential Third World War. Iran, backed by Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah threats, fights alone against nuclear-armed giants like the US and Israel, while Arab states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain shield their backs. Yet fears grow that prolongation could draw in major powers. Russia, China, Afghanistan, and parts of Yemen have voiced support for Iran, though not yet direct intervention.

Reports indicate UAE security arrested Mossad agents plotting to bomb the US consulate there—to provoke US and Arab involvement. Saudi leaders are reportedly planning military action against Iran following an alleged Iranian attack on the US consulate in Riyadh.

It was reported that, Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman and former President Dmitry Medvedev warned that World War III won't start gently but could erupt anytime if Trump persists in his aggressive path. He said Trump's decision to strike Iran has placed all Americans in grave danger of mass casualties.

US and allied sources suggest they won't let the war escalate further, despite President Donald Trump's claim it would last few weeks. They now realise its scope exceeds initial plans. Reports indicate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost his life in an Iranian strike on Tel Aviv, as top Israeli military officials held a secret meeting.

Experts warn this war could wreak havoc across the Middle East and global economy if not swiftly resolved. The US and Israel now recognise Iran is no pushover, contrary to past assumptions. Iran's fierce response to Khamenei's assassination confirms that striking it was like kicking a hornet's nest!

Yakubu is a Jos-based multimedia journalist and public affairs analyst.