“A War of Choice”: Mehdi Hasan Denounces US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Unprovoked Aggression

In a recent, high-profile interview with India Today’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, journalist and Zeteo CEO Mehdi Hasan delivered a scathing critique of the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Hasan, known for his sharp geopolitical analysis, labeled the military campaign a “completely unnecessary, unprovoked war of aggression” and argued that it serves domestic political interests rather than strategic security goals.

Core Arguments of Hasan’s Interview

A “War of Choice” Without an EndgameHasan emphasized that this conflict lacks a clear strategic objective. He pointed out that the Trump administration’s rationale for the strikes has been “shifting by the day,” moving from regime change to protecting personnel, and then to degrading missile programs. “After dropping the bombs, they are now trying to work out the exit strategy… it is bizarre.“.

Netanyahu’s “40-Year Dream

“Hasan argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been “yearning and dreaming” of a military strike on Iran for decades. He noted that while previous US presidents like George W. Bush and Barack Obama resisted these pushes, Donald Trump became the first to concede to the pressure.

The “Weapon of Mass Distraction”

In a provocative take, Hasan suggested the timing of the war might be linked to domestic scandals in the US. He called the conflict a “weapon of mass distraction” intended to divert public attention from:Economic woes and rising inflation.The controversial release of the Epstein files, in which Trump’s name appears thousands of times.

Criticism of Marco Rubio’s Logic

Hasan specifically called out US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s justification for “pre-emptive” strikes. Rubio argued that the US attacked first because an Iranian retaliation was certain after Israel’s initial plans. Hasan dismissed this as illogical, stating the US chose to “attack first and then claim it was an imminent threat.” Hasan warned that the current path would likely lead to a failed state or a civil war in Iran, drawing parallels to past interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. He cautioned the West against underestimating Iran’s resilience, reminding viewers that Iran once endured a decade-long war with Iraq and is unlikely to crumble quickly.

US-Israel War on Iran is “Illegal and Unnecessary”

Mehdi Hasan’s stance characterizes the conflict as an illegal, unprovoked, and entirely unnecessary war of aggression, arguing that it lacks both moral and strategic justification. He highlights a significant disconnect between government action and the electorate, noting that the US public is not rallying behind the effort, with only about one in four citizens supporting the military involvement. According to Hasan, the primary driver is Israel’s goal of regional hegemony, achieved by keeping its neighbours “torn apart” and weakened through perpetual instability. Finally, he warns against the futility of the campaign, emphasizing Iran’s high resilience and pointing out that while infrastructure can be damaged, the underlying “know-how” and scientific knowledge of the nation cannot simply be bombed away.

Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi

Editor, Prime Post

Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.