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An analysis by Markandey Katju on the broader historical and geopolitical significance of the ongoing U.S.–Iran war. The article examines how the conflict may influence global power structures, the aspirations of developing nations, and debates over sovereignty and self-determination in the 21st century.
The historical significance of the US-Iran war
By Justice Markandey Katju
The US-Israeli war has been going on since 28th February 2026, with no end in sight.
To my mind, this war has a historical significance, which most people following it have missed: the Iranians are not only putting up a heroic resistance to the brutal unprovoked aggression by the US-Israeli forces, by their valiant, fearless, and lion hearted fight back with missiles and drones, they are also inspiring and showing the way out to the entire underdeveloped world. Let me explain.
This world actually consists of two worlds: (1) the world of the developed countries, i.e. North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and China, which are relatively affluent, and (2) the world of the underdeveloped countries, i.e Asian countries ( except China and Japan ), African and Latin American countries, in which most people are poor. The majority of people of the world live in the latter.
There is a secret, unwritten rule among the developed countries ( which they will never openly speak about ), that underdeveloped countries must not be allowed to become developed, for the reason given below :
However, the people of the underdeveloped countries realize that they must become developed ( i.e. highly industrialised ) otherwise they will never be able to abolish their huge socio-economic evils i.e. massive poverty, massive unemployment, appalling level of child malnutrition ( every second child in India is malnourished, according to Global Hunger Index ), almost total lack of proper healthcare and good education for the masses, etc.
In my opinion, the 21st century will be the century in which the struggles of the people of the underdeveloped countries to become developed ones will be fought out to a conclusion, and result in creating societies everywhere free of these evils, and in which everyone gets a high standard of living and decent lives.
Earlier, I had thought that it is India which will give leadership to the underdeveloped countries in their historical struggle to create a new world order free of the huge socio-economic evils which have plagued them for centuries.
But India has today broadly joined the US camp, so it cannot give that leadership.
Instead, in my opinion, it is Iran which is now giving that leadership, by their heroic, undaunted resistance in the present war against US and Israeli aggression. The Iranians are inspiring not only the Muslim world ( whose governments are mostly US puppet, but their peoples are mostly anti-Americans ), but also peoples of all underderveloped countries, that they must fight for a just world order, in which they do not simply accept domination of the developed countries, who set up their puppets, and loot them, but fight heroically for their real independence and equality.
Prof Marandi of Tehran University has become their voice in this war
Among the things the Iranians have taught by their actions is that unity of the people of underdeveloped countries is absolutely essential if their struggle is to be successful.
In India, for instance, the people are often divided on caste and communal lines, which makes the waging of the struggle difficult. On the other hand, Iranians are united in the present war. The Americans thought that the killing of Ayatollah Khameini and many top officials would bring Iranians on the streets demanding regime change ( which the Americans wanted ). But what actually happened was just the reverse. Iranians did indeed come on the streets ( despite the bombing by US and Israeli forces ), but it was to condemn America and Israel, and to mourn the death of their revered leader.
One is reminded of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's memorable speech on 4th June 1940 in the House of Commons, in the dark days when German invasion was looming and Britain stood alone in the world :
'' We shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.
The same indomitable and undaunted spirit, undismayed by the powerful odds, is being displayed by the brave Iranians. They have therefore earned the honour of being called the leaders of the underdeveloped world.
The Iranians will win this war because they are fighting for a just cause. And that cause is the right of all nations, however poor, to self-determination, which is indeed embodied in the UN Charter. The days of colonialism, when powerful countries could conquer, trample over, enslave, and loot poor countries, have gone, and now the latter, inspired by the spirit of nationalism and patriotism, will put up fierce resistance against these attempts.
In the Mahabharat war, the Kauravas had a more powerful army, yet they were defeated by the Pandavas, as the latter had Lord Krishna on their side. Lord Krishna represents justice and righteousness, and the Iranians have justice and righteousness on their side.
In the Bhagawad Gita (chapter 18 shloka 78) it is said:
यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर:
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मितर्मम्
i.e.
Wherever there is Lord Krishna and Arjuna, there is victory, great power, and righteousness.
Long live the Iranian people !
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman of the Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own.)
