With the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, in which the United States and other world powers are also involved, — the world is at a dangerous turning point. This is not just about politics or military power. It is about human lives. It's about families, children and entire communities caught in the middle of decisions made far above their heads.
We are at a crucial crossroads. The decisions that will be made in the coming days and weeks can either fuel global conflict or point us toward healing and resolution. This is a moment that requires wisdom, restraint and, above all, compassion.
Fragile leadership, divided populations
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing dissatisfaction at home. According to the latest polls, the majority of Israelis are dissatisfied with his leadership - only 30% approve of it. Nevertheless, he remains in power and is pushing ahead with a controversial military agenda— - particularly in the Gaza Strip and against Iranian targets.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who relies on a combination of religious authority and state control, enjoys even less public support at 26%. Many Iranians, tired of oppression and conflict, long for a different path.
In the US, Trump's approval rating fluctuates between 39% and 45%
Despite widespread disapproval in the three countries, these leaders with the support of less than half of their people wield enormous influence. Their decisions not only shape regional politics, but also carry the weight of a potential widespread, if not world war.
The growing risk of a major war
Since the beginning of 2025, the United States — under President Donald Trump — has deployed more military forces to the region in response to Israeli attacks on Iran. The presence of aircraft carriers and fighter jets as well as the increased risk of retaliation have caused international concern.
Iran has avoided large-scale conventional wars in the past, but exercises its power through proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. In contrast, the US has been involved in more than 130 military conflicts around the world over the past two centuries, often with devastating and far-reaching consequences.
The danger of further escalation is real. And history teaches us that wars are much easier to start than to end.
Israel's allies:
United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and Italy: these Western allies share strategic ties, NATO commitments and concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and offer military, intelligence or diplomatic support.
Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco: Despite public criticism of Israel’s actions, these countries side with the US against Iran due to regional rivalries and security partnerships as expressed in the Abraham Accords.
Iran’s allies, often referred to as the 'Axis of Resistance', include:
Syria, Lebanon (Hezbollah), Yemen (Houthis), Iraq (Shia militias), Palestinian groups (Hamas, Islamic Jihad): These state and non-state actors are dependent on Iran’s support in order to defend themselves against Israel and Western influence.
Russia, China, North Korea: These countries provide diplomatic or economic support, with Russia supplying weapons and China buying Iranian oil.
These alliances reflect a highly polarised world in which ideological and strategic interests can escalate a regional conflict into a global conflict.
The human cost: the ongoing tragedy of Gaza
While the world's attention is focused on Iran, the suffering in the Gaza Strip is taking on unimaginable proportions. Since the Hamas attack in October 2023, in which over 1,100 Israelis were killed, Israel’s military response has devastated the Gaza Strip. More than 80,000 Palestinians — many of them children and women — have lost their lives. Tens of thousands more are injured, starving, displaced or missing under the rubble. Hunger, disease and despair claim more lives every day. The sheer scale of the suffering has been labelled genocide by many observers. And yet many heads of state and government remain silent or are complicit.
This is not about taking sides. It is about recognising every human life as sacred.
A compassionate plea
We must not wait for history to look back with regret. I call on all parties — Israel, the US, Iran and their allies — to exercise restraint, prioritise diplomacy and strive for de-escalation. The international community, including neutral mediators such as Qatar or Turkey, is called upon to facilitate dialogue to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s security concerns and the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Only through compassion and wisdom can we avert catastrophe and build a future in which all people in the region can thrive.
Together, we can continue to put pressure directly on leaders to choose peace over war, justice over revenge and humanity over division. The time to act is now.
- Cedar
If warmongering old men had to fight on the front line themselves, wars would end before they began. Too many lives, dreams and futures are sacrificed on the altar of their hatred while they hide in bunkers, untouched by the suffering they cause.
We are at a crucial crossroads. The decisions that will be made in the coming days and weeks can either fuel global conflict or point us toward healing and resolution. This is a moment that requires wisdom, restraint and, above all, compassion.
Fragile leadership, divided populations
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing dissatisfaction at home. According to the latest polls, the majority of Israelis are dissatisfied with his leadership - only 30% approve of it. Nevertheless, he remains in power and is pushing ahead with a controversial military agenda— - particularly in the Gaza Strip and against Iranian targets.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who relies on a combination of religious authority and state control, enjoys even less public support at 26%. Many Iranians, tired of oppression and conflict, long for a different path.
In the US, Trump's approval rating fluctuates between 39% and 45%
Despite widespread disapproval in the three countries, these leaders with the support of less than half of their people wield enormous influence. Their decisions not only shape regional politics, but also carry the weight of a potential widespread, if not world war.
The growing risk of a major war
Since the beginning of 2025, the United States — under President Donald Trump — has deployed more military forces to the region in response to Israeli attacks on Iran. The presence of aircraft carriers and fighter jets as well as the increased risk of retaliation have caused international concern.
Iran has avoided large-scale conventional wars in the past, but exercises its power through proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. In contrast, the US has been involved in more than 130 military conflicts around the world over the past two centuries, often with devastating and far-reaching consequences.
The danger of further escalation is real. And history teaches us that wars are much easier to start than to end.
Israel's allies:
United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and Italy: these Western allies share strategic ties, NATO commitments and concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and offer military, intelligence or diplomatic support.
Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco: Despite public criticism of Israel’s actions, these countries side with the US against Iran due to regional rivalries and security partnerships as expressed in the Abraham Accords.
Iran’s allies, often referred to as the 'Axis of Resistance', include:
Syria, Lebanon (Hezbollah), Yemen (Houthis), Iraq (Shia militias), Palestinian groups (Hamas, Islamic Jihad): These state and non-state actors are dependent on Iran’s support in order to defend themselves against Israel and Western influence.
Russia, China, North Korea: These countries provide diplomatic or economic support, with Russia supplying weapons and China buying Iranian oil.
These alliances reflect a highly polarised world in which ideological and strategic interests can escalate a regional conflict into a global conflict.
The human cost: the ongoing tragedy of Gaza
While the world's attention is focused on Iran, the suffering in the Gaza Strip is taking on unimaginable proportions. Since the Hamas attack in October 2023, in which over 1,100 Israelis were killed, Israel’s military response has devastated the Gaza Strip. More than 80,000 Palestinians — many of them children and women — have lost their lives. Tens of thousands more are injured, starving, displaced or missing under the rubble. Hunger, disease and despair claim more lives every day. The sheer scale of the suffering has been labelled genocide by many observers. And yet many heads of state and government remain silent or are complicit.
This is not about taking sides. It is about recognising every human life as sacred.
A compassionate plea
We must not wait for history to look back with regret. I call on all parties — Israel, the US, Iran and their allies — to exercise restraint, prioritise diplomacy and strive for de-escalation. The international community, including neutral mediators such as Qatar or Turkey, is called upon to facilitate dialogue to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s security concerns and the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Only through compassion and wisdom can we avert catastrophe and build a future in which all people in the region can thrive.
Together, we can continue to put pressure directly on leaders to choose peace over war, justice over revenge and humanity over division. The time to act is now.
- Cedar
If warmongering old men had to fight on the front line themselves, wars would end before they began. Too many lives, dreams and futures are sacrificed on the altar of their hatred while they hide in bunkers, untouched by the suffering they cause.
| | |
