The Hindu Calls Israel a Rogue State, Says It Destroyed Peace Talks with Iran

Thiruvananthapuram: In a sharply worded editorial titled "Rogue State", The Hindu has denounced Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, calling the actions “brazenly illegal, reckless and dangerous.” The editorial criticises Israel for launching the attacks while diplomatic talks were reportedly underway between Washington and Tehran, effectively sabotaging any remaining chance of a negotiated resolution to the nuclear issue.
The newspaper questioned the role of U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that his inability—or unwillingness—to restrain Israel reflects either a lack of seriousness in his diplomatic overtures or a diminished influence over America’s closest ally. “If there was any possibility of resolving the nuclear issue through dialogue, Israel has practically killed it,” the editorial stated.
The attacks reportedly targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, ballistic missile production centres, and the residences of top nuclear scientists and military commanders. Iran retaliated with drone strikes, most of which were intercepted. However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a strong response, raising fears of further escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already signalled that any missile attack from Iran would be met with intensified military retaliation.
While Israel justifies its actions by claiming Iran is secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) maintains that there is no conclusive evidence that Tehran has taken steps towards weaponisation. Although Iran has enriched uranium up to 60%—well beyond civilian requirements—its activities remain within the bounds of monitored non-proliferation agreements.
The Hindu also reminded readers that it was the U.S. that broke the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, under which Iran had agreed to scale back its programme in exchange for sanctions relief. When Trump later reopened diplomatic channels during his second term, Iran reportedly responded positively. Instead of constructive negotiations, however, what followed was a direct military strike—further eroding trust.
The editorial accused Israel of acting with impunity, emboldened by decades of unconditional support from Washington. It went on to describe Israel’s recent actions not as isolated incidents but as part of a broader pattern of unchecked militarism. The newspaper cited ongoing allegations of genocide in Gaza, where over 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, as well as Israel’s violations of ceasefire agreements with Hezbollah and its expanding footprint in war-ravaged Syria.
“Israel has behaved like a rogue nation ever since the October 7 Hamas attack,” the editorial observed, warning that Tel Aviv’s aggression risks dragging the entire region into a prolonged and multifaceted conflict. It also expressed concern over the potential fallout if tensions spill over into the Gulf, endangering global economic stability and the safety of millions of migrant workers—including Indians—who live and work in the region.
The Hindu concluded by calling for a coordinated international response to curb Israeli militarism and revive diplomatic initiatives to stabilise West Asia. “There must be an immediate, coordinated international effort to rein in the Jewish state and reboot diplomacy to restore stability,” it warned.