Israel-Iran War: Experts converge in LASU, advocate global peace

Academics in the fields of political science and international relations have advocated global peace in addressing the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.

The scholars made the recommendation at a symposium titled “The Israeli-Iranian War, 2025: Issues and Implications” organised by the Lagos State University Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), on Wednesday at the CPSS Building,  LASU, Ojo, Lagos.

Examining the causes, assessing its implications for the global community in the short and long term, the scholars argued that war is a matter of conflicting interests, with each party striving to protect its own strategic goals.

Delivering a brief address, the e Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Ibrahim Olawale Olateju, noted that although war might appear interesting to a neutral audience on television, its consequences are far-reaching.

 Olatunji-Bello advocated for global peace and encouraged the audience to listen attentively to the expert submissions, which sought to unpack the complexities surrounding the conflict.

Opening the discussion, the Director of the Centre, Professor Adewunmi Falode, traced the historical roots of the conflict, linking its genesis to the determination of the United States and its ally, Israel, to prevent Iran from enriching uranium to a level that could enable the production of nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s insistence that its uranium programme is intended solely for electricity generation.

Describing the war as a contactless war, through technology with drones and missiles rather than uniformed soldiers, he asserted that there are no clear oppressors or victims, as is often portrayed, arguing war is a matter of conflicting interests, with each party striving to protect its own strategic goals.

In his presentation, head of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Abdul-Wasi Moshood, argued that there is no morality in international politics, discussing the concept of selective elimination, a strategy employed by the United States to neutralise perceived nuclear threats.

Mosshod cited the examples of Iraq, Libya, and now Iran, observing that these actions are often justified under the pretext of promoting democracy and ending terrorism.

He highlighted two critical lessons from the Israel-Iran war: first, that Iran should not have compromised on its uranium enrichment; and second, that the country must conduct deep house-cleansing, as Israel appears to have infiltrated its military infrastructure.

A senior lecturer in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr David Olaluwoye, examined the role of communication in the conflict, stating that communication, encompassing information, misinformation, and propaganda, is a vital tool in modern warfare.

He said both Israel and Iran have deployed communication to their advantage, with Iran effectively using social media to generate global sympathy.

He noted that every stage of the war, from diplomatic engagements (which he termed jaw-jaw) to open threats, declarations of war, and ceasefire calls, has been shaped by communication, reinforcing its role as soft power in contemporary conflict.

Another Lecturer from the Department of Political Science, Dr Tobi Oshodi, addressed the wider implications of the war for other state and non-state actors in global politics.

He argued that the United States’ willingness to strike Iran’s uranium facilities in defence of Israel could embolden dissatisfied powers, such as China, to act similarly against perceived smaller adversaries like Taiwan.

He aligned with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s view that bombing Iran into surrendering its nuclear ambitions is unrealistic, as Iran’s national strategy is centred on building nuclear knowledge to preserve its sovereignty.

The symposium concluded with a presentation by the former Dean, Faculty of Arts, and Professor of History and International Studies, Professor Abolade Adeniji.

Prof. Adeniji, explored the broader lessons of the conflict, beginning with a poignant question: “In all this, why does Iran not have an ally to defend it, as America does for Israel?”

He critically examined the geopolitical relationships of Iran with potential allies such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia, China, and non-state actors like Hezbollah.

Prof. Adeniji contended that Iran’s failure to build strategic alliances, relying instead on its nuclear programme, has left it isolated, concluding that the true strength of any nation lies not merely in its military or nuclear capabilities, but in the strength and reliability of its allies. Every country needs allies.