Understanding the Iran and USA conflict: the war with no clear winners

 All of us have seen the news and posts on social media about the recent conflict between Iran and the USA, and a question rises in the minds of most of us - “Which side is correct?” “Whom do I support?” The answer to this question is that this is not a very reasonable question. In war, the only ones who suffer are people. Humans. Us. You and me. Whether it is an Iraqi child just wanting to attend school or the women in Afghanistan and Iran yearning for a sky they are free under.

 Historical context

 So, why did this happen? The conflict between Iran and the USA dates back to 1953 when US and British intelligence agencies helped coups in the Iranian military to overthrow the then prime minister of Iran, Mohammad Mossadeq. Similar to what had happened in Iraq in 2003 and Libya in 2011.

The coup had brought to power a Western-friendly monarchy headed by Shah Mohammad Reza.

 Although Western favouring, the Shah wasn’t particularly popular among the Iranian citizens.

 Things remained “under control” until they were not. The 1979 Iranian revolution collapsed the partnership between the Shah and Western powers. The revolution overthrew the Shah and brought a non-West-aligned, pro-Islamic regime leader to power- Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

 In the following years, tensions continued to grow between the USA and Iran. During the Iran–Iraq War, the United States supported Iraq, which further damaged its relationship with Iran.

Over time, disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and its involvement in conflicts in the Middle East led to strict economic sanctions by the United States on Iran, restricting Iran's ability to export oil, Iran’s main source of income. There was a brief period of hope when the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) was signed, as it aimed to reduce tensions by limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions. However, after the deal fell apart, tensions increased again.

Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and for energy, but the US and other allies suspect that Iran might produce nuclear weapons.

The present age

A major turning point came in 2022, with a young woman, Mahsa Amini, being killed for violating mandatory hijab laws. This led to popular unrest and a series of protests, eventually leading to the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. Over time, the movement drew into its folds more common civilian interests- inflation, widespread unemployment, economic disruption, and political repression.

All of which was met with brutal repression by the government. Arrests, internet shutdowns, hundreds of protestors killed, and thousands detained.

2026

The U.S. claimed it attacked Iran mainly to stop it from becoming a nuclear threat and to prevent future attacks, especially after diplomacy failed.

With external pressure met with internal domestic turmoil. The situation in Iran is a complex geopolitical one. With the human rights of people being violated in Iran by the Islamic regime and the sovereignty of a nation being dismissed by the unilateral attack by the USA on Iran, there is no “right” side.

Conclusion

So, what side do we choose? None.

The moment we divide ourselves into “us” and “them,” we deprive ourselves of our purpose- Humanity, love, care, and respect for each other.

Sympathise with children dying, sympathise with women’s rights being violated. Don’t pick a side, choose humanity. Don’t let them succeed in doing what they want, divide us.