Bolaji Akinyemi, Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating conflict in the middle east, predicting that a full-scale regional war is on the horizon.
Akinyemi’s remarks come after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, with some reporters in Jerusalem confirming the sound of interceptions in the skies. The Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari further responded with strong warnings, saying “This attack will have consequences.”
In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Akinyemi criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy, which he claimed was designed to drag Iran into a broader conflict, not just with Israel but with the United States.
“I think we are looking at a full-fledged regional war. If it is possible to have a Nobel evil price, Netanyahu should be given that. This is what all his life, the strategy he has been working on, to drag Iran into a war, not against Israel but against the United State. It is not just Iran, but even the United States have fallen for it.
“Openly, Netanyahu disgraces the United States and yet you continue to supply them with weapons and now Netanyahu has dragged Iran into open confrontation with the US; what he has wanted all his life and it is a pity those two countries have fallen for it. I don’t think we are going to get any peace move that will work at this time.”
The former minister dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire or any meaningful peace efforts in the near future, warning that the situation is likely to deteriorate, especially as the U.S. enters its election cycle.
However, he expressed hope that a potential victory by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris could lead to a “more balanced policy” that might exert pressure on Israel. He added, “But between now and the November election, or even the election, I think we are in for a regional war.”
Akinyemi also noted China’s increasing influence, predicting that the country will refrain from getting involved in the Middle East conflict despite its emerging global power.
“Probably the only one country now that can face down the United States is China and China won’t get involved because it is already on its way to becoming the number one country in the World and they are so happy to see the United States mess itself up.”
Furthermore, Akinyemi pointed out that Israel’s territorial expansion has been aided by its repeated military victories, and with the tacit support of several Arab nations, he doubted that any future peace talks would result in a Palestinian victory.
Criticising the role of Western powers, Akinyemi accused the United States and European nations of playing a duplicitous game in their handling of diplomacy in the Middle East. He expressed frustration at the “rudeness of Israel” toward the United Nations, noting that the UN’s inability to act decisively in the region stems from the United States’ use of its veto power.
“The rudeness of Israel to the secretary general is unparalleled and unprecedented. I disagree with the argument of the UN being a toothless bull dog because the United Nations was not set up to face down a world power. Until the United States changes its attitude, there is nothing the United Nations can do. The United Nations cannot move on the middle east because of the veto power of the United States and that is exactly why the Veto power was given, to ensure that the United Nations is not dragged into a situation of hopelessness.”
Looking ahead to the U.S. presidential election, Akinyemi suggested that a second Trump presidency would lead to even more overt support for Israel.
“If Trump wins the elections, he is simply going to be pro-Israel than Biden. He doesn’t hide it. Trump is going to be more honest about his own moves rather than the duplicity of Biden. Trump will tell you that he will be more Netanyahu than Netanyahu himself” Akinyemi remarked, referencing Trump’s controversial decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Chioma Kalu
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