Middle East on brink of World War III, warns Iranian lawmaker among escalating tensions - report

Iranian lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari has warned that the Middle East is "practically on the brink of World War III" amid escalating tensions. Ghazanfari, a representative in the Tehran parliament, made these comments in an interview with the official Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA). He cited the expansion of the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as rising tensions between world powers, as grounds for the formation of a widespread conflict.

Ghazanfari's remarks are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight the viewpoint of some of Iran's extremist politicians and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) elites. They see the current situation as a regional and global conflict, rather than a localized issue. Iran has been working closely with Russia and China, and has aspirations to challenge the US-led world order.

The Islamic Revolution, which took place in Iran in 1979, has been a defining moment for the country and its leaders. Iranian Islamists believe they have presented a unique path that differs from the American and Soviet blocs. This ideology has shaped Iran's foreign policy, positioning it on the side of a new world order. Weakening the US and pushing it out of the Middle East is a key goal for Tehran.

In September, Ghazanfari warned that the US's support for Ukraine and tensions with Britain and Germany could spread the conflict to other European countries. He also pointed to the US-China dispute over Taiwan as another potential area of global conflict.

Looking ahead, Ghazanfari has expressed interest in withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a proposal that could be put on the parliament's agenda again. He has also criticized the chances of a US deal with Iran, stating that any agreement would lack legitimacy and not be binding under international law.

Furthermore, Ghazanfari has warned about American and Israeli plans for a broader military operation, suggesting that the US might seize Iranian islands in the south. Iran has been continuing its attacks in the region, including recent strikes on Jordan and threats to attack tankers. The regime aims to demonstrate its ability to respond to any US strikes and to send a message that it will not back down.