Dr. Suleiman Ishaq Muhammed, a security expert at the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Federal University, Dutse, has warned that the ongoing military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran risks expanding beyond a regional war, with potential global repercussions.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Post, Dr. Muhammed traced the roots of the crisis to the 1953 coup in Iran, which brought the pro-Western Shah to power, and the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which expelled Western influence and established Iran’s anti-Israel stance while supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
“The issue today is about hegemony, dominance, and control of power in the Middle East,” he said, noting that oil, security, and regional supremacy are central factors. “Countries in the Middle East are now almost answerable to Israel in terms of resources, oil, and security. Iran remains the main resistor.”
Dr. Muhammed highlighted incidents that intensified tensions, including alleged Israeli attacks on Iranian interests in Syria in 2024 and Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. He described the February 28, 2026 US-Israel military strike on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a turning point that shifted the conflict from a targeted strike to a broader retaliatory war.
“The conflict is now about revenge, escalation, and deterrence,” he said, warning that Iran is likely to intensify attacks against the US, Israel, and their allies.
On nuclear capabilities, Dr. Muhammed said Iran’s access to uranium makes it a strategic threat. “If Iran holds nuclear weapons, Israel’s dominance in the region could be challenged,” he explained. He also pointed to stalled diplomatic efforts and political pressures on US leadership, which he said contributed to the escalation.
Dr. Muhammed further stressed the global stakes of the conflict. Strategic ties between Iran and powers such as China and Russia mean that any weakening of Iran affects broader geopolitical interests. He also warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger worldwide economic instability, including higher oil prices and inflation.
“The conflict is no longer limited to Israel and Iran. Military bases and allied territories are now at risk, and if regional allies fully join the war, it could evolve into a global conflict,” he said.
He called for urgent diplomatic intervention by major powers, including China, Russia, and Germany, warning that continued military escalation could have catastrophic consequences for global security, oil markets, and economic stability.
On the strategic motivations, Dr. Muhammed said the US and Israel initially aimed to remove Iran’s leadership, neutralize nuclear facilities, and gain control over Iranian oil and seaports. “The mission was to force a quick surrender and secure resources critical to global powers,” he said.
However, he noted that Iran’s refusal to cease hostilities and its advanced missile responses have transformed the conflict into a prolonged war of retaliation, with hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israel continuously.
“The US desire for regional control, Israel’s goal of hegemony, and the attempt to control Iranian oil are now facing a new reality,” Dr. Muhammed said.
He added that several international actors, including China, Turkiye, Malaysia, and the United Nations, have called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.