WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER: Reclaiming Diplomacy in the Israel–Iran Conflict

 By Atty. Arnedo S. Valera

Human Rights Lawyer &  International Security and Alliances Analyst

Introduction: A World on Edge

The rumblings of war between Israel and Iran—two powerful nations with complex histories and enduring animosities—are again shaking the foundations of global peace. Airstrikes, covert operations, proxy escalations, and inflammatory rhetoric have transformed the Middle East into a geopolitical fault line where miscalculations could ignite a full-blown regional war. The world watches nervously as the specter of another conflict looms—one that could have catastrophic consequences far beyond the region.

Yet amidst this growing crisis, one voice is disturbingly absent: the voice of diplomacy. Where are the calls for negotiation? For multilateral mediation? For a ceasefire before the fire spreads? At a time when humanity faces existential threats—climate change, pandemics, economic upheaval—the last thing it needs is another devastating war driven by ideology, ego, and outdated doctrines of regime change.

The Geopolitical Landscape: Sectarian Fault Lines and Strategic Isolation

To understand the roots of the current Israel-Iran confrontation, we must look beyond the headlines and into the deeper, often misunderstood history of the region.

Iran, a Shi’a-majority nation of Persian ethnicity, has long stood apart from its Sunni Arab neighbors—not only religiously, but geopolitically. Its revolutionary posture since 1979 and its support for non-state actors such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen have alienated traditional Arab monarchies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Even Turkey, though Muslim and historically sympathetic to Palestine, treads cautiously.

This leaves Iran isolated, as its regional ambitions threaten Arab-Sunni hegemony. The Abraham Accords—signed between Israel and several Arab states—further deepen Iran's diplomatic marginalization, while simultaneously emboldening Israel to pursue military objectives without fear of Arab retaliation.

Meanwhile, global powers are constrained. Russia is bleeding in Ukraine and unable to project credible power in the Middle East. China prefers economic influence over military entanglement. And the United States, though historically allied with Israel, faces a critical choice: whether to fan the flames or extinguish them.

Lessons from History: The Futility of War as Policy

Recent history offers stark warnings. The U.S. invasion of Iraq, sold on the promise of eliminating weapons of mass destruction and installing democracy, ended with a fractured state, the rise of ISIS, and decades of instability. Libya, post-Gaddafi, has devolved into a warlord-run failed state. Afghanistan is once again under Taliban rule after a 20-year, trillion-dollar occupation.

In each case, the dream of regime change by force turned into a nightmare. Civilian casualties soared. Refugees flooded borders. Extremism flourished. And global economic consequences followed—oil shocks, inflation, and geopolitical realignments.

Iran is not Iraq. It is larger, more populous, militarily capable, and ideologically entrenched. Any attempt at military confrontation with Iran would not only devastate the region but would also spiral into a global conflict with incalculable costs—economic, human, and strategic.

Even today, the mere threat of conflict has caused global oil prices to surge. Gasoline and diesel prices are set to rise, inflation is projected to climb by at least 5%, and ordinary families around the world will feel the effects of a war they neither started nor support.

The Path Forward: Diplomacy, Not Destruction

Despite the provocations and the long-standing hostilities, there remains a viable alternative to war—diplomacy rooted in respect, restraint, and realism. A sustainable peace is not achieved through shock and awe, but through dialogue, compromise, and inclusive security arrangements.

1. Revive the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)

Though flawed, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was a milestone in multilateral diplomacy. It verifiably limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Its abandonment in 2018 reignited tensions and undermined the trust necessary for non-proliferation. A return to JCPOA or a similar framework—with updated safeguards—is essential.

2. Establish a Regional Security Forum

Modeled after the ASEAN Regional Forum, a Middle East Security Dialogue should be institutionalized—bringing together Iran, Israel, Gulf States, Turkey, and external actors like the EU and UN. Regular dialogue, even among adversaries, can de-escalate tensions and open channels of communication during crises.

3. Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

Pragmatic steps like reopening diplomatic missions, reactivating military hotlines, prisoner exchanges, or humanitarian coordination in Gaza and Syria can create the political space for deeper negotiations.

4. Respect for Sovereignty and the UN Charter

Calls to "denuke" Iran or overthrow its regime echo dangerous precedents. Non-proliferation should be achieved through internationally supervised agreements—not through unilateral military strikes. The United Nations must reclaim its authority as the ultimate arbiter of international peace and security.

5. A Calibrated Role for the United States

The U.S. must resist the temptation of militarized intervention. While its alliance with Israel is strong, its leadership role should now be one of mediation, not militarization. The Biden administration, already stretched by Ukraine and Indo-Pacific tensions, must act with strategic restraint. A war against Iran is not only unwise—it is unnecessary.

A Call to Conscience and Common Sense

The Israel-Iran conflict is not just a regional problem. It is a test of our global values—whether we still believe in international law, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence. War may seem easy to start, but history has shown us it is impossible to control.

The choice before us is stark: war, with all its horrors, or diplomacy—with all its difficulties, but also its hope.

We urge world leaders, especially those in Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran, to listen not to the drums of war but to the quiet, steady voice of reason, history, and humanity.

Let peace be our legacy—not another war.#

Atty. Arnedo S. Valera is the executive director of the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation and managing attorney at Valera & Associates, a US immigration and anti-discrimination law firm for over 32 years. He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and International Law and Human Rights from Columbia University and was trained at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo de Manila University.  He is an AB-Philosophy Major at the University  of Santo Tomas ( UST). He is a professor at San Beda Graduate School of Law (LLM Program), teaching International Security and Alliances.