Opinion: To Bring Peace to the Middle East, Revitalize U.N.

1. In early spring 2026, war erupted in the Middle East, signaling a profound transformation in the international order, as tensions and military actions destabilized the region and sent shockwaves globally. [para. 1]

2. The United States and Israel carried out joint military strikes on Iran, culminating in the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and several other high-ranking officials. This action drastically undermined the principles of the established international order and caused significant geopolitical upheaval. [para. 2]

3. Notably, the timing of the attack was especially contentious, as it occurred while Washington and Tehran were engaged in diplomatic negotiations. The assassination of the leader of a sovereign country while pursuing regime change blatantly violated international law and basic diplomatic norms. Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as other American and Israeli officials, put forth inconsistent and sometimes implausible rationales for the assault. [para. 3]

4. Iran responded with retaliation, and the conflict quickly expanded into several Middle Eastern nations, even reaching Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, which was serving as the EU’s president nation. This escalation threatened the recent progress made by countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar in economic diversification and social reforms, overshadowing their achievements with the threat of war and raising widespread concerns about the future of the global order. [para. 4]

5. In the face of these escalating crises, the text stresses the urgent need to revitalize the United Nations' role and authority to address the contemporary challenges. Although the U.N. is hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, it remains the world’s most universal and authoritative platform for crisis management, conflict resolution, and fostering international cooperation. [para. 5]

6. Further marginalization of the U.N. would risk a return to unchecked international anarchy and great power rivalry. Protecting the organization’s position isn’t about defending all its flaws, but about preserving the minimum standards and achievements that have prevented the world from relapsing into cycles of conflict since the two World Wars. [para. 6]

7. The hope for Middle Eastern peace is rooted not only in the necessity for global stability, but also in the genuine aspirations for development and reform among regional nations. There is growing momentum for unity and autonomy in the region, with effective development models, shared reform objectives, and stable relations forming the basis for national dignity and sovereignty, despite ongoing challenges. [para. 7]

8. The future of the current conflict, especially for Iran—a nation with deep historical roots and significant regional influence—remains unpredictable. Nonetheless, the overriding call among international observers is to avoid further civilian suffering and to prevent the situation from worsening. China, in particular, has emphasized the immediate need to halt military operations, limit the spread of war, and restart diplomatic talks to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. [para. 8]

9. China’s role in the Middle East has been consistently constructive, especially through initiatives like being a major partner in Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030,” investing in Egypt’s Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and deep collaborations with the UAE across multiple sectors. China’s involvement is characterized by innovation-driven support and growing investment in both traditional and emerging industries. [para. 9]

10. Despite longstanding turmoil, China has maintained stable relations with Middle Eastern nations on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, actively promoting peace, opposing war, and aiming to de-escalate tensions for the stability of the region and the wider world. [para. 10]

11. The Middle East has experienced continuous unrest for over a century, but the population’s desire for stability, prosperity, and security remains unwavering. Restoring order—centered on development and a multilateral, U.N.-led framework—is presented as the only pathway to break the cycles of conflict, enabling lasting growth and progress tailored to each nation’s unique conditions. [para. 11]