Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

Iran stands as one of the most ancient civilizations in human history, with a legacy of strength, wisdom, and cultural richness spanning over three millennia. From the Achaemenid Empire to the Sassanian dynasty, Iran has contributed to the development of human knowledge, statecraft, art, and science. Despite facing multiple historical challenges, including invasions, foreign interventions, and internal upheavals, Iran remains a resilient nation with immense potential to reclaim its rightful place as a regional and global power.

Today, Iran’s pursuit of sovereignty, development, and self-defense is consistently challenged by external aggression—primarily from the United States and Israel. The post-colonial reality of West Asia reveals a persistent Western attempt to dominate the region, control its resources, and dictate its future. Yet, Iran has stood firm, resisting foreign coercion and maintaining its independence. This article explores the historical context, the motives behind the hostility toward Iran, the impact of the recent US-Israel military confrontation, and Iran’s path forward in partnership with responsible global powers like China and Russia.

The Roots of Western Hostility Toward Iran

The conflict between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, can be traced back to the 1950s. In 1953, a coup orchestrated by the CIA and MI6 overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh. His only “crime” was to nationalize Iran’s oil resources, previously monopolized by British interests. The West could not tolerate an independent Iran controlling its own wealth.

Following the coup, the Shah of Iran was installed as a Western proxy, ruling with an iron fist while serving the strategic and economic interests of Washington and London. This eventually led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, where the Iranian people reclaimed their national sovereignty and severed ties with Western hegemony. Since then, the United States and its allies have continuously sought to weaken Iran through sanctions, threats, and isolation.

The Unjust Withdrawal from the JCPOA

One of the most glaring examples of American bad faith was the unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 by President Donald Trump. The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and six major world powers (the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China), was a landmark deal aimed at ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Iran’s full compliance with the agreement multiple times.

Yet, driven by domestic political motives, anti-Iran sentiment, and pressure from Israeli lobbies, President Trump abandoned the deal without cause. This act not only violated international commitments but also severely undermined diplomatic efforts and trust in global governance. It emboldened Israel, isolated Iran, and heightened instability across the region.

Israel’s Aggression: A Major Source of Instability

Israel’s long-standing hostility toward Iran is rooted in its desire to maintain undisputed military superiority in the Middle East. Despite possessing a vast and undeclared nuclear arsenal, Israel continues to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons without providing credible evidence. Over the years, Israel has carried out numerous aggressive acts against Iran, including:

The assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists on Iranian soil.

Cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, notably the Stuxnet virus.

Aerial bombings of Iranian facilities in Syria and elsewhere.

Open threats by Israeli leaders to attack Iran preemptively.

These actions are clear violations of international law and constitute acts of war. Yet, the United States and its Western allies continue to shield Israel from any accountability while condemning Iran for simply defending its sovereignty.

The Iran-Israel-US Brief War: A Turning Point

In early 2025, the situation reached a boiling point. Following a series of Israeli provocations and sabotage operations inside Iran, Iran responded militarily to protect its national dignity and deter further aggression. This triggered a brief but intense conflict involving the United States, which rushed to support Israel militarily.

While the war did not last long, it resulted in significant damage to Iranian infrastructure, including its nuclear facilities. Civilian and military losses occurred on all sides. The resilience and unity shown by the Iranian people and Armed Forces, however, stunned both adversaries and observers. Iran’s ability to withstand the combined force of two nuclear powers demonstrated not only its military preparedness but also its unwavering national spirit.

However, the war caused temporary setbacks to Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. Facilities were targeted, progress was delayed, and technical capacities were impacted. But Iran has already begun rebuilding with determination and resolve.

Hypocrisy of the United States and Its Nuclear Double Standards

The United States, which remains the only country to have used nuclear weapons in war, continues to preach nuclear non-proliferation to others while enriching its own arsenal and distributing advanced weapons to allies like Israel. This blatant double standard is visible again in Washington’s recent offer to Saudi Arabia for cooperation in civil nuclear technology—without demanding the same level of restrictions and scrutiny it imposes on Iran.

Such hypocrisy undermines global non-proliferation norms and exposes the real agenda of the United States: to control, not cooperate; to dominate, not to build peace. Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, which is within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is constantly demonized, while nuclear-armed Israel enjoys Western protection and blind support.

Iran’s Right to Deterrence and Self-Defense

Given the hostile environment created by Israel and the United States, Iran has every right under international law to defend its sovereignty. The concept of deterrence is well understood in international relations. Countries that possess strong defensive capabilities, including nuclear deterrence, are far less likely to be attacked or invaded.

Iran has always maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, in light of repeated threats, unjustified attacks, and broken promises, Tehran must consider strengthening its defensive posture. This is not an aggressive ambition, but a necessary response to ensure survival in a world where international law is routinely violated by the powerful.

The Role of China and Russia: Partners in Peace

As Iran continues to face Western pressure, it has deepened its strategic partnerships with China and Russia. Both countries have consistently supported Iran’s rights in international forums and resisted American-led efforts to isolate it.

China: Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested in Iran’s infrastructure, energy, and trade sectors. It also opposes unilateral sanctions and promotes multilateralism and regional stability. China believes in dialogue, mutual respect, and shared development—principles that Iran strongly supports.

Russia: Russia has worked closely with Iran on defense cooperation and regional security, particularly in Syria and the Caspian region. It has provided technical support and has repeatedly voiced opposition to American bullying at the UN.

Together, Iran, China, and Russia form a triangle of resistance against Western coercion and a force for a more just, multipolar world order.

Nuclear Talks in Beijing: A New Chapter in Diplomacy

In the aftermath of the recent war, high-level talks between Iran, Russia, and China were held in Beijing. These discussions aimed to chart a peaceful and cooperative path forward, rebuild trust, and restore regional balance. The agenda included:

Rebuilding Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities with international cooperation.

Calling for the denuclearization of the Middle East, beginning with Israel.

Lifting all illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran.

Creating a new regional security framework based on equality and non-aggression.

Beijing has emerged as a credible platform for peace, offering a contrast to Western pressure politics. The presence of all three nations reaffirmed their shared vision for mutual security, development, and justice.

The Way Forward: Toward a Just and Balanced Global Order

If peace is to be achieved in West Asia, a fair and balanced approach is essential. The international community must:

Ensure Israel’s nuclear disarmament and demand full transparency and IAEA inspections.

Uphold Iran’s sovereign right to peaceful nuclear energy and self-defense.

Condemn all acts of aggression, including assassinations and cyberattacks.

Support multilateral diplomacy through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the UN.

Reject double standards, especially those that empower aggressors and punish victims.

Net Result

Iran’s story is one of strength, intellect, and survival. Despite decades of external hostility, sanctions, and war, Iran continues to stand tall—guided by its proud history and a vision for a peaceful, sovereign future. The recent war exposed the true face of American and Israeli aggression, but it also highlighted the resilience and dignity of the Iranian people.

With the support of responsible global partners like China and Russia, Iran can rebuild and rise stronger. A peaceful, nuclear-free Middle East is possible—but only if every nation, including Israel, is held to the same standard. Until that day, Iran has every right to defend its land, its people, and its future.

History will remember who stood for peace and who imposed war. Let us choose dialogue over domination, justice over injustice, and truth over hypocrisy.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)