Mushtaq Bala
Like a storm threatening the serene waters of Dal Lake, the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran, from June 13 to June 24, 2025, shook the Middle East, sending ripples of concern across Jammu and Kashmir. This intense conflict, marked by relentless airstrikes and missile barrages, reshaped global politics, sparked economic fears, and ended with a fragile ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. For Kashmiris, the war highlighted the fragility of peace and the impact of distant conflicts, while India’s deft diplomacy underscored its commitment to regional stability.
The war erupted when Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing an imminent nuclear threat—a claim Iran rejected, asserting its program was civilian. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, including a deadly strike in Beersheba that killed civilians. The U.S., under Trump, escalated the conflict on June 21, bombing Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iran to fire missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar, though no casualties occurred due to prior warnings via Qatari intermediaries. The 12-day air war left over 600 dead in Iran and 28 in Israel, raising fears of a broader regional crisis.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the war stirred deep unease. While oil and commodity prices remained stable, the threat of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for 20% of global oil, fueled fears of price surges had the conflict persisted. Such increases would have strained Kashmir’s economy, where families already grapple with high costs for fuel and essentials. Security concerns also mounted, given India’s reliance on Israeli defense equipment like drones and missile systems, contrasted with Iran’s influence through regional proxies. In Srinagar’s mosques, during Friday prayers, many Kashmiris prayed for Iran’s victory, viewing its resistance as a stand against aggression—a sentiment rooted in the region’s own struggles for justice. Local scholar Dr. Noor Ahmad Baba warned that the war’s escalation could inspire militancy in Kashmir, drawing parallels to past foreign interventions.
India’s role was pivotal in navigating the crisis. On June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 45-minute call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging de-escalation and emphasizing diplomacy to restore peace. Pezeshkian shared Iran’s perspective, describing India as a vital partner in regional stability, and thanked Modi for Iran’s assistance in evacuating Indian citizens, including students, from Iran via Armenia and Turkmenistan. This call complemented Modi’s earlier discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, showcasing India’s balanced diplomacy in maintaining strong ties with both nations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this stance, advocating dialogue to stabilize the Middle East, a message that resonated in Kashmir, where peace is a cherished dream. Modi’s engagement with both leaders positioned India as a voice of reason, earning praise in Srinagar for balancing strategic partnerships while prioritizing de-escalation.
Globally, the war exposed deep divisions. Trump’s strikes bolstered U.S. influence but drew criticism in Kashmir, where many view superpower interventions skeptically, recalling foreign meddling in regional conflicts. Israel claimed strategic gains, asserting it had crippled Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Iran framed its retaliation as a defense of sovereignty, a narrative that echoed in Kashmir’s mosques. Europe pushed for diplomacy, with France threatening UN sanctions on Iran, while China and Russia condemned U.S. and Israeli actions, proposing a UN ceasefire resolution. India’s call for dialogue stood out amid these tensions.
Economically, the war’s shadow loomed large. While markets held steady, fears of disrupted Gulf trade routes kept traders on edge. A prolonged conflict could have spiked oil prices, hitting Kashmir’s economy hard. The ceasefire, announced on June 24 via Truth Social, eased these concerns, triggering a stock market rally as investors anticipated stable trade routes. Iran’s economy, battered by sanctions and infrastructure losses, faced a long recovery, limiting its global leverage.
Trump’s ceasefire, brokered through Qatari mediation, was a diplomatic feat but tested by violations. Iran launched missiles before the deadline, killing civilians in Beersheba, while Israel struck near Tehran, accusing Iran of bad faith. Trump, frustrated, rebuked both sides, securing compliance. In Kashmir, analyst Aijaz Mir cautioned that without sustained talks, the truce could falter, risking tensions that could spill into South Asia.
For Kashmir, the war was a reminder of how global conflicts touch local lives. The prayers in mosques, the economic fears, and India’s balanced diplomacy underscored a shared yearning for peace. Like a shikara navigating choppy waters, the ceasefire offers a fleeting calm. With Israel and Iran locked in mistrust, and the UN noting Iran’s nuclear setback but not its elimination, the world—led by voices like India’s—must prioritize diplomacy to prevent such storms from unsettling regions like Kashmir, where peace is both a dream and a necessity.
Mushtaq Bala is Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Pen, an award-winning filmmaker, cultural commentator, and advocate for peace through narrative media.
