Israel’s Iran Strike Raises Red Flags Globally, Moghalu Sounds Alarm

Nigerian political economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has warned that Israel’s military strike on Iran’s suspected nuclear facilities could have far-reaching implications for global peace and security.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, Moghalu described the strike as a dangerous escalation that undermines the stability of the international order.

Part of the statement read, “Israel’s attack on what it claims are Iran’s nuclear facilities significantly raises the stakes in an already unstable and anarchic international system. The move has ignited global debate, particularly around whether the strike meets the threshold for preemptive self-defence under international law.”

Expanding on the legal implications of the attack, Moghalu explained the controversial doctrine of preemptive self-defence in international law.

The doctrine of preemptive self-defence, rooted in customary international law, permits a sovereign state to launch a preemptive attack if it faces an ‘imminent’ threat of being attacked. This standard requires a clear and immediate danger—not speculative or long-term concerns”, he added.

He noted that Israel appears to view Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat but stressed that the credibility of this assessment remains contested.

“In this context, Israel evidently perceives Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons as a mortal threat to its existence. However, assessing Israel’s claim that Iran had reached a ‘point of no return’ in its nuclear development is complex and contested. There is no clear consensus on how close Iran actually is to acquiring a nuclear arsenal.”

According to Moghalu, the choice to take military action rather than pursue diplomacy is alarming and could set a troubling international precedent.

“Israel’s decision to take unilateral military action reflects the gravity of its concerns but also represents a severe escalation. It bypasses diplomatic avenues and multilateral processes, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future international conflicts.”

He warned that the consequences of this action are likely to go beyond Israel and Iran, heightening tensions across the region and potentially sparking a broader conflict.

“The implications of this strike are profound. Regional tensions are likely to intensify, and retaliation—whether by Iran directly or through proxy forces—is expected. With both sides entrenched in deep-seated hostilities, the risk of a broader war looms large.”

In his concluding remarks, Moghalu questioned the broader legal and moral legitimacy of Israel’s actions and called for global attention to the fragile state of international norms.

“In summary, while Israel may argue its actions were legally and morally justified under the doctrine of preemptive self-defence, the move raises fundamental questions about international norms, state sovereignty, and the use of force in global affairs. The world should brace for further instability in the region.”