The recent US-led military strikes on Iran have drawn widespread international condemnation, significantly damaging Washington’s credibility on the world stage. This move, according to analysts, could embolden powers like China and Russia, while further isolating the United States and its allies—particularly Israel and India—who stand accused of routinely violating international laws and norms.

In an exclusive interview with banglanews24.com, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qayyum HI (M), a former senator, defense secretary to the Prime Minister, and senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), criticized the attack as a breach of international law and questioned President Donald Trump’s eligibility for the Nobel Peace Prize in light of his administration’s actions.

He also alleged that India is systematically promoting terrorism across South Asia, including in Pakistan, through proxy elements. 

Below is the full interview:

Question: What could be the motivations behind the U.S. attack on Iran?

Answer: Since no international law permits such attacks, America’s actions have severely damaged its global credibility. Many countries, including Pakistan, have condemned this aggression. Acting on Israel’s behest, the U.S. operation has proven that there is currently no effective international law in place. Institutions like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice have become ineffective. This will strengthen the global standing of powers like China and Russia, while countries like Israel, India, and the United States—who are blatantly violating international laws and conventions—will face diplomatic isolation.

Question: Are we moving towards a third world war?

Answer: God forbid it happens, because such a war would be catastrophic for the entire world. From 1914 to 1918, around 20 million people perished in the First World War. After that, the League of Nations was formed, but it failed to maintain global peace. Consequently, the Second World War broke out from 1939 to 1944, during which atomic bombs were used for the first time, and nearly 60 to 70 million people were killed. Following that, the United Nations was established to end global conflicts and bring peace. However, now, despite signing the UN Charter, we are refusing to abide by it. That is why the risk of a nuclear war has increased—because unlike WWII, where only the U.S. had nuclear capabilities, today 7 to 9 countries possess devastating nuclear weapons.

Question: Where are the sparks of potential nuclear conflict visible on the global stage?

Answer: Regions like Kashmir, Palestine, Ukraine, Taiwan, and the South China Sea are hotspots involving nuclear-armed countries and unresolved conflicts.

Question: What are the objectives of the Israeli attack on Iran, and can Israel succeed in achieving them?

Answer: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton recently remarked that Netanyahu’s primary objective is to prolong his political rule. He is not capable of destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities. His second aim is to drag the U.S. into this war, a strategic blunder made by President Trump under the influence of Jewish lobbies embedded in powerful U.S. institutions. The third objective is for Israel to dominate its neighboring Arab countries and establish a “Greater Israel.”

Question: How would you compare the military strength of Iran and Israel?

Answer: Israel, as a country, is not capable of confronting Iran, which is the 7th most populous nation and 70 times larger in area than Israel. This comparison should be between Iran and the United States, as Israel is essentially just a proxy of the U.S., showing arrogance because of American backing.

Question: What role do you foresee for Pakistan in the Iran-Israel war?

Answer: Pakistan’s role has always been principled: international disputes must be resolved diplomatically. India’s aggression against Pakistan, and Israel’s attack on Iran—with the U.S. now also involved—are major acts of aggression that deserve the strongest condemnation. In World War 2 (WWII), there was one Hitler and one nuclear power. Today, we have two Hitlers—Netanyahu and Modi—and nine nuclear-armed nations. That is why Pakistan, which became a nuclear power only after India’s nuclearization, will always advocate for a nuclear-free world.

Question: Why did Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir receive such a warm welcome in the U.S.?

Answer: Due to the prayers of the nation and his exceptional leadership, Asim Munir made the much larger Indian military taste defeat. This elevated Pakistan’s diplomatic standing, leading to an invitation for him to visit the U.S. Secondly, Pakistan holds a strategically vital position in the region, which the U.S. acknowledges. Thirdly, Pakistan has long contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions. Fourth, Pakistan acted with restraint in avoiding a nuclear war with India. During his meeting with President Trump, the Kashmir issue topped the agenda, along with discussions on India’s water aggression and terrorism. Trade issues were also discussed, and Pakistan offered to help improve U.S.-Iran relations—similar to how it helped facilitate U.S.-China ties in the past.

Question: Did Pakistan provide any support for the attack on Iran?

Answer: That is false propaganda spread by anti-Pakistan elements. Pakistan firmly stands by its brotherly neighbor Iran during these difficult times because Iran is in the right, and war has been imposed on it by Israel. Iran, with a 5,000-year-old cultural heritage, has endured immense challenges—such as the 8-year war waged by Iraq with U.S. support—yet emerged victorious. In today’s circumstances, Iran has had the chance to distinguish between friends and foes. That’s why Indian spies accused of aiding Mossad have been brought to justice, and Indian presence has been expelled from the Chabahar Port.

Question: How should Muslim-majority countries respond collectively to the Iran-Israel conflict?

Answer: In the short term Muslim Countries have very rightly condemned Israeli aggression against Iran and very wisely recommended immediate cease fire as wars and conflicts solve no problem. In fact such violations of international laws committed with naked aggressions against peace loving countries with impunity further compound the international security climate . In the long term however there is an urgent need for greater politico economic and defence integration amongst Muslim countries because all wars fought in the recent past were unfortunately directed against them including Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and now Iran. Therefore there is a need for deliberate well integrated endeavours among Muslim states to promote a culture of research based higher education and world renowned  institutions for promotion of science and technology ensuring best integration of latest technologies and AI. In this context OIC forum rightly created by the wise Muslim statesmen of yesteryears needs to be made more potent.

Question: What impact could this conflict have on energy prices and regional economic stability, especially for countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh?

Answer: Since both Pakistan and Bangladesh are dependent on fuel imports, any conflict which implicates oil producing countries will adversely affect energy prices thus having negative impact on the economies of these countries. Closure of strait of Hormuz can further create worst fuel crisis both at regional and even global level which will surely affect both Bangladesh and Pakistan. 

Question: How do you assess China and Russia’s potential role if the conflict escalates further?

Answer: Global Financial centre of gravity is shifting from the west to the east. Single polar World is therefore in transition gradually slipping towards a multipolar status. China and Russia have successfully carved out institutions like Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. Russia has oil and gas wealth and China vigorously pursuing One Belt One Road (OBOR) economic concept is about to become number one economy of the world in  the near future. Both China and Russia therefore have tremendous potential to effectively contribute for world peace and put an end to unilateralism.

Question: How can global civil society, independent media, and international institutions act effectively when state-level diplomacy fails? 

Answer: State level objective diplomacy is infact the best tool for achieving universal peace. In addition unbiased International media with professional ethical approach can surely play a pivotal role in educating global civil society through honest reporting and fair analyses  to single out war mongering aggressive states. Besides, international institutions must ensure that they get their decisions and resolutions implemented in the light of UN charter and the international laws. These institutions however need to be made more potent , independent and democratic.

Question: Is there any risk of proxy warfare intensifying within Pakistan’s borders due to this conflict?

Answer: India is already fully involved in fomenting terrorism and financing insurgencies not only in Pakistan but in almost all its neighbouring states through their proxies. Israel also unfortunately rates Pakistan as her biggest enemy after Iran and fully supports India in latter’s terrorism activities in Pakistan. In fact Israel provided military hardware including drones to India in her recent conflict with Pakistan. After suffering humiliating defeats by both India and Israel, there is a strong possibility that these two war mongering twins will intensify their proxy wars against Pakistan ; a country which is ever ready to thwart their evil designs.

Question: Just before the recent U.S. attack on Iran, Pakistan had formally recommended President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. In light of current events, do you believe he still deserves that recognition?

Answer: There is a universally accepted arrangement for finalising the names of eligible candidates deserving such a prestigious award. I am sure selection committee has its strict merit criteria. Pakistan supported the name of President Trump based on his very unbiased positive role in managing ceasefire between two nuclear neighbours in South Asia in their recent conflict. Trump’s decision to bomb Iran violating international law may surly emerge as a negative point while considering his name for the Nobel Peace Prize. Besides, Trump’s unconditional backing of Israel in their atrocities in Gaza and eight vetoes exercised by him against ceasefire resolutions meant for Gaza surely don’t augur well for his selection for a global Nobel Peace Prize. Trump will surely deserve a Nobel peace prize if he succeeds in getting ceasefire imposed in Russia Ukraine war, getting two state solution for Palestine, facilitating resolution of Kashmir issue and a rapprochement with China on Taiwan.

MSK/SMS