The escalating conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition has raised concerns of wider global repercussions, a Sokoto lecturer has warned. The military offensive, launched on Saturday, targeted multiple Iranian cities and strategic sites, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, including strikes on Israel and countries hosting U.S. forces such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iraq.
Shehu Arzika, a lecturer in Sokoto, said the crisis is rooted in historical and geopolitical factors rather than religion, noting that Israel’s pursuit of regional dominance, backed by U.S. military and diplomatic support, has shaped the conflict. He explained that the primary aim is to neutralize any leaders perceived as threats to Israel’s strategic position.
Arzika warned that the ongoing clashes could escalate unpredictably, potentially sparking a global conflict. He cited Iranian retaliation, which reportedly killed American soldiers and civilians in several Gulf countries, as evidence of the volatile situation. The lecturer emphasized that global powers are largely supporting the U.S., raising the likelihood of further intervention against Iran.
The crisis also carries significant economic consequences. Iran and its neighbors are major oil exporters, and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, have caused oil prices to surge. On Monday, Brent crude jumped 13% to $82 per barrel, the highest in 14 months, amid fears of blocked oil supplies.
Arzika highlighted that Iran is facing a strategic disadvantage following the reported death of its Supreme Leader. He warned that continued violence and retaliatory attacks could trigger unpredictable fallout worldwide, stressing that only divine intervention might determine the outcome.
