The ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified in recent days, raising fears of a wider global conflict despite the majority of participating countries observing either the Lent or Ramadan fasting period.
The latest escalation stems from long-standing hostilities between Israel and Iran, tensions that have shaped Middle East geopolitics for decades. Since the 1979 revolution in Iran, both countries have viewed each other as strategic adversaries, with Israel repeatedly accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities and supporting armed groups hostile to Israel across the region.
Iran, on the other hand, has condemned Israel’s military posture and its alliance with the United States, describing the partnership as “weakening Iranian influence.” Concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and expanding missile capabilities have intensified regional anxiety, while diplomatic efforts by global powers to revive or replace earlier nuclear agreements have stalled amid Israel’s warnings that Iran’s technological advancements could threaten its security.
Sporadic covert attacks, cyber operations, and strikes on proxy forces across the Middle East have deepened mistrust and kept the region on edge. The situation escalated sharply in late February 2026 when the United States and Israel reportedly carried out coordinated strikes on several Iranian military and strategic targets. Officials described these attacks as efforts to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure and deter further escalation, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes against Israeli positions and U.S. interests, triggering a cycle of reprisal that has disrupted daily life in several countries.
Lent and Ramadan observances undermined as Middle East war escalates
Innocent Raphael11 hours ago
3 minutes read
By Eboselume Olutola –
The ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified in recent days, raising fears of a wider global conflict despite the majority of participating countries observing either the Lent or Ramadan fasting period.
The latest escalation stems from long-standing hostilities between Israel and Iran, tensions that have shaped Middle East geopolitics for decades. Since the 1979 revolution in Iran, both countries have viewed each other as strategic adversaries, with Israel repeatedly accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities and supporting armed groups hostile to Israel across the region.
Iran, on the other hand, has condemned Israel’s military posture and its alliance with the United States, describing the partnership as “weakening Iranian influence.” Concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and expanding missile capabilities have intensified regional anxiety, while diplomatic efforts by global powers to revive or replace earlier nuclear agreements have stalled amid Israel’s warnings that Iran’s technological advancements could threaten its security.
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Sporadic covert attacks, cyber operations, and strikes on proxy forces across the Middle East have deepened mistrust and kept the region on edge. The situation escalated sharply in late February 2026 when the United States and Israel reportedly carried out coordinated strikes on several Iranian military and strategic targets. Officials described these attacks as efforts to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure and deter further escalation, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes against Israeli positions and U.S. interests, triggering a cycle of reprisal that has disrupted daily life in several countries.
The conflict has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation as international leaders call for restraint. According to Reuters, the war between Iran, the U.S., and Israel has caused a global economic shock, with 25 percent of the world’s oil supply disrupted due to instability along the Strait of Hormuz.
At the centre of Iran’s power structure was Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who held the position since 1989 and exercised ultimate authority over the country’s armed forces and foreign policy until his death earlier in March. Widely regarded as a conservative hardliner, Khamenei consistently took a defiant stance toward the United States and Israel, portraying Iran’s posture as resistance to Western pressure. His leadership emphasised military strength, regional alliances, and a cautious approach to negotiations with Western powers.
The crisis intensified when coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel reportedly claimed Khamenei’s life. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli cities, with the conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel to Dubai, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Air raids and missile strikes have continued almost daily, targeting Iranian military bases, missile launch sites, fuel depots, and refining facilities, while Iran’s retaliatory attacks have struck Israeli cities and U.S. installations in the region.
Lent and Ramadan observances undermined as Middle East war escalates
Innocent Raphael11 hours ago
3 minutes read
By Eboselume Olutola –
The ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified in recent days, raising fears of a wider global conflict despite the majority of participating countries observing either the Lent or Ramadan fasting period.
The latest escalation stems from long-standing hostilities between Israel and Iran, tensions that have shaped Middle East geopolitics for decades. Since the 1979 revolution in Iran, both countries have viewed each other as strategic adversaries, with Israel repeatedly accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities and supporting armed groups hostile to Israel across the region.
Iran, on the other hand, has condemned Israel’s military posture and its alliance with the United States, describing the partnership as “weakening Iranian influence.” Concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and expanding missile capabilities have intensified regional anxiety, while diplomatic efforts by global powers to revive or replace earlier nuclear agreements have stalled amid Israel’s warnings that Iran’s technological advancements could threaten its security.
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- Nigerian universities: Between hope and collapse — by Oluwadare Ayeni2 hours ago
- Tax reform as a catalyst for economic development — by Arabinrin Aderonke19 hours ago
- Breathing but not competing: Nigeria’s opposition and the road to 2027- by Seye Oladejo2 days ago
- Priorities in transforming the education sector in Osun State — by Dipo Awojide2 days ago
Sporadic covert attacks, cyber operations, and strikes on proxy forces across the Middle East have deepened mistrust and kept the region on edge. The situation escalated sharply in late February 2026 when the United States and Israel reportedly carried out coordinated strikes on several Iranian military and strategic targets. Officials described these attacks as efforts to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure and deter further escalation, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes against Israeli positions and U.S. interests, triggering a cycle of reprisal that has disrupted daily life in several countries.
The conflict has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation as international leaders call for restraint. According to Reuters, the war between Iran, the U.S., and Israel has caused a global economic shock, with 25 percent of the world’s oil supply disrupted due to instability along the Strait of Hormuz.
At the centre of Iran’s power structure was Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who held the position since 1989 and exercised ultimate authority over the country’s armed forces and foreign policy until his death earlier in March. Widely regarded as a conservative hardliner, Khamenei consistently took a defiant stance toward the United States and Israel, portraying Iran’s posture as resistance to Western pressure. His leadership emphasised military strength, regional alliances, and a cautious approach to negotiations with Western powers.
The crisis intensified when coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel reportedly claimed Khamenei’s life. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli cities, with the conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel to Dubai, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Air raids and missile strikes have continued almost daily, targeting Iranian military bases, missile launch sites, fuel depots, and refining facilities, while Iran’s retaliatory attacks have struck Israeli cities and U.S. installations in the region.
The continued exchanges have disrupted life across the region and raised fears of a broader Middle East war. Fires at oil depots and refineries have caused severe air pollution and toxic smoke, while attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes have pushed up global oil prices and destabilised energy supplies. In countries such as Nigeria, fuel prices have surged by up to 12 percent, prompting panic buying and public anxiety.
The conflict is unfolding during the sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan, forcing communities to observe prayer and fasting amid air raids. In Tehran, residents reported sirens, explosions, and thick smoke from fires at fuel depots and military sites. Similar disruptions occurred in Isfahan, while Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa experienced intercepted missile strikes and property damage. Worshippers were forced into shelters during evening prayers and Lenten services, with flights grounded and religious gatherings disrupted.
World leaders and international organisations have called for restraint and diplomatic negotiations to prevent further escalation. However, with ongoing military operations and retaliatory strikes, analysts warn the conflict could widen into a broader regional or even global war if tensions are not reduced soon.
