Xinhua Commentary: Israel-Iran conflict demands de-escalation, not provocation

BAGHDAD, June 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under Operation "Midnight Hammer" constituted a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law, adding fuel to already soaring tensions in the Middle East and risking dragging the region into unprecedented turmoil.

At this critical juncture, it is imperative to de-escalate the disturbing tension in the region, which requires coordinated efforts by the international community.

Any further confrontation between Israel and Iran would surely expand the hostilities across the region, with severe humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned, the U.S. strikes mark "a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge," and pose "a direct threat to international peace and security."

Lessons from the past are crystal clear: Force alone cannot solve deeply-rooted political and security issues. The Iranian nuclear issue, in particular, cannot be resolved through threats or airstrikes. Sustainable solutions must be found through negotiation, mutual respect and international cooperation.

History offers valuable, if sobering, reminders. The 1993 Oslo Accords momentarily raised hopes for peace between Israel and Palestine. The 2015 Iran nuclear deal offered a path toward mutual trust. Sadly, these hard-won breakthroughs were eventually torpedoed by unilateralism and shortsighted policies.

Instead of repeating the mistakes of the past, stakeholders must recommit to diplomacy. All parties concerned must return to the negotiation table rather than fanning the flames of confrontation.

As U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pointedly noted, President Donald Trump's actions not only fail to deliver Middle East peace he once promised, but also risk dragging the United States into "a potentially disastrous war."

For too long, Washington has employed double standards or fueled regional chaos for strategic gain. The international community must not remain idle but act to defuse tensions, rather than inflame them.

The worsening situation in the Middle East is a stark reminder that power politics and military interventions lead to nothing but chaos and instability. In a time when the whole world is undergoing a profound transformation, the principles of fairness, justice and multilateral cooperation must be observed for the sake of achieving a lasting peace. ■