Attack on Iran: Ending the Battle Is the Main Priority

More than two months have passed since the U.S. and Israel launched their attack on Iran. Although the ceasefire agreement that was announced on April 8 is in effect, Iran is effectively blockading the Strait of Hormuz, and the opposing U.S. military is blocking Iran's ports. With a key energy transport hub closed off, and the impact on the world economy is growing increasingly severe as oil prices soar. This cannot be allowed to drag on any longer.

Iran has offered a new proposal to the U.S. that would open the Strait while continuing negotiations over its nuclear program. The U.S. claims that it will not accept an agreement without a definite promise that Iran will abandon its nuclear development programs, suggesting that attacks will resume. The rift between the two sides is deep, and a path to a permanent ceasefire remains elusive.

Last June, the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes on facilities related to Iran's nuclear weapon development. The latest attacks were also purported to be aimed at checking Iran's nuclear development and meant to force a regime change by killing Iran's supreme leader. However, abandoning nuclear development will likely require diplomatic efforts rather than military force, and it will be difficult to achieve that objective.

The U.S. should accept Iran's proposal and resume the navigation of goods through the Strait of Hormuz, while it should also coordinate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other nations to hammer out a solution to the nuclear issue.

U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten Iran on social media using language like “No more Mr. Nice Guy,” but he is only inviting an even tougher stance from Iran. If the U.S. hastily resumes attacks to score military results, this war could become a quagmire and apill the blood of even more civilians. Reaching agreement on ending the conflict should be the main priority, and both sides must compromise.

A swift response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is also essential. Even though a ceasefire agreement was reached, Israel continues to attack the bases of the Iran-backed militia organization Hezbollah. Many civilians have been caught up in the airstrikes and many refugees have fled to the outskirts of the capital city of Beirut as chaos ensues.

The international community must unite to press Israel for a ceasefire and put the brakes on Israel's settlement of Palestinian territories, a primary factor in the destabilization of the Middle East.

The attack on Iran commenced without a declaration of war or approval from Congress and has so far cost $25 billion. Based on the War Powers Resolution, which stipulates that by law, the troops must be removed within 60 days, Congress should put a stop to this administration's recklessness.

Pakistan, which maintains friendly relations with both nations, has served as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Even though Japan should also be in a position to carry out such a role, it must be said that its sense of presence in this situation has been weak.

The Japanese government should collaborate diplomatically with Europe and Asian nations and urge the U.S., Israel and Iran to quickly end the conflict and open the Strait of Hormuz.