Israel-Lebanon operations raise nuclear escalation fears

The Middle East conflict has entered a new phase, with Israel expanding its operations into southern Lebanon and tensions with Iran escalating. ​Analysts warn that the collapse of traditional deterrence and rising nuclear risks could trigger a global arms race. 

A recent Bloomberg report suggests the world may be entering a “new nuclear age,” as tensions between major powers intensify.

Speaking to AnewZ, political analyst Lamis Jidid said both Iran’s nuclear potential and the breakdown of deterrence are driving fears. “I think both of these could be applied in answering such a question,” she said, adding that the war initially aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Jidid noted that conventional strategies have so far failed to deliver decisive results. “All methods that America and Israel saw that might topple the regime or take this war or win this war did not work until today,” she said, warning that this raises fears of a potential nuclear option.

She also highlighted broader geopolitical implications, saying the conflict is reshaping global security dynamics. “This is a war that concerns so many other countries… It's war on borders. It's war on water, on ports. So everybody is concerned,” she said, pointing to growing uncertainty among U.S. allies.

On the risk of escalation, Jidid warned that potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could have far-reaching consequences. “This will not be a win for anyone in Iran, not anyone in the Gulf, and not anyone in Israel itself,” she said.

The analyst also cautioned that the conflict could trigger a wider nuclear race in the region. “It might open the race for nuclear arms in the whole region. And this is a very, very delicate point that we all fear,” she said, referencing concerns involving major regional players.

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She further warned that expanding military operations, including in Lebanon, could create new risks rather than enhance security. “If they cannot secure their own cities… spreading in all direction, I think it will not work for them,” she said.

As the conflict continues, Jidid stressed that the global outlook remains uncertain. “We are just now in the middle of a storm and nobody… can predict the future for the time being,” she added.

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