Nepal, June 17 -- Israel's 'pre-emptive' attack on Iran and the Islamic republic's retaliatory strikes have instilled fear across the world with the prospect of a full-fledged war involving regional actors and global superpowers. Iran has grown increasingly enraged following Israel's surprise airstrikes four days ago on June 13, which targeted Iranian military bases and nuclear facilities. These ongoing assaults have severely infringed upon the rights of citizens in both countries-not only their access to education, healthcare, and freedom of movement, but also their fundamental right to life. Ironically, these rights have been denied not by foreign enemies, but by the ambitions of their own governments. On the third consecutive night-Sunday-Iran launched another wave of missile attacks, while Israel continued its military response. Citing Iran's nuclear program as a threat to its very existence, Israel has vowed to continue its campaign until Iran's nuclear capabilities are completely destroyed. This leaves little room for optimism regarding reconciliation between the two nations jostling for regional dominance. Israel's offensive, and its effective coercion of Iran into war, has triggered widespread international concern about dragging the US into the war. It is somewhat reassuring to note that, as of now, approximately 5,500 Nepalis in Israel and around a dozen in Iran are reported to be safe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Nepali ambassadors in Tel Aviv and Doha to prioritise the safety of Nepali nationals. The ministry has also directed the relevant embassies to maintain regular communication with the Nepali community and to provide timely updates based on security advisories issued by host countries.
Iran and Israel have long-standing hostilities. Israel accuses Iran of supporting groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, which frequently attack Israeli targets. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that Israel's aggression stems from fear of Iran's advancing nuclear program. Israel's repeated threats and recent large-scale attacks appear to be a direct response to this perceived threat. While reactions follow actions, it is important to remember that when powerful nations head toward war, the fallout affects the entire interconnected world. This is no longer a bilateral conflict between Israel and Iran. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have long supported Israel-especially the U.S., which has supplied Israel with advanced weaponry while Russia and China have morally supported Iran. The consequences of continued conflict are already being felt: rising oil prices, disruptions in transportation and global trade, and an emerging humanitarian crisis. Countries not directly involved in the war, including their civilian populations, will still bear the brunt of its impact. Should the war escalate into a wider regional conflict, Nepal too will face serious consequences. Millions of Nepali migrant workers are employed across the Gulf region. The Nepali economy, heavily reliant on remittances sent by these workers, would suffer significantly if instability spreads. This economic lifeline could be severely disrupted if the conflict currently confined to Israel and Iran extends into the Gulf.
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The world has seen similar consequences before. The Russia-Ukraine war caused a surge in global food prices. Now, volatile oil prices are already signaling the economic toll of this new conflict. Nepal cannot remain untouched. Beyond the indirect consequences, the thousands of Nepali workers currently in Israel face immediate and personal risk. We must not forget Bipin Joshi, who remains missing after being caught in a militant attack. War benefits no one. Some Western powers appear to stoke conflict not just to sell weapons, but also to test them in real combat. For certain rulers, war provides a convenient excuse to extend their grip on power. Yet it is the rest of the world-especially vulnerable and neutral populations-that suffers the most from the reckless decisions of a few. This is why the call to end this war must come from all sides. Influential global powers-especially the United States, Russia and China-must rise to the occasion. If they truly desire peace, wars like this can be brought to an end. The world can only hope that wisdom prevails. This war must not be allowed to continue. It must end at the negotiating table.
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