BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- As recent nuclear talks between the United States and Iran showed signs of progress and a new round is underway in Geneva, renewed hopes have emerged that dialogue, rather than force, could offer a way out of the long-standing disputes.
Yet that fragile optimism rests on an uneasy foundation. While both Washington and Tehran have sent constructive signals, sharp rhetoric and the risk of military confrontation continue to cloud the atmosphere, leaving the prospect of a durable nuclear agreement uncertain.
The reality is, when diplomats are meeting, U.S. military forces are mobilizing across the Middle East, piling immense pressure on Iran. If Washington strikes Iran, Tehran's retaliation could target U.S. military bases throughout the region. Israel could also be involved. Situations could easily spiral out of control, plunging the long-troubled region into another war whose scale and consequences no one can predict.
The continued build-up of aircraft carriers and fighter jets by Washington in the region sends a deeply troubling signal. The threat or use of force does not create security; it magnifies mistrust, heightens tensions and worsens the volatility of the Middle East situation.
In an already fragile environment, such military posturing risks ruining the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The Middle East has repeatedly borne the consequences of wars launched in the name of security or order. Time and again, military intervention has fractured societies, fueled extremism and left lasting humanitarian scars.
History shows that once conflict is ignited, it rarely remains contained. Escalation can unfold rapidly, with civilians paying the highest price with flesh and blood.
For a region still striving to recover from years of turmoil, another round of conflicts would only deepen cycles of insecurity and suffering, and is the last thing this region needs.
If peace is truly the goal, it must be pursued through peaceful means, not via military coercion. ■
