The Hindu Editorial • March 02, 2026 • Read Original

Imperial war: on the war against Iran

American and Israeli thuggery has no place in the international system

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on March 02, 2026

Imperial war: on the war against Iran

American and Israeli thuggery has no place in the international system

US-Iran ConflictIsrael-Iran WarAyatollah KhameneiStrait of HormuzDonald Trump 2026Benjamin Netanyahu

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 26

English Original

Donald Trump came to the White House promising to end America’s endless wars.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States (in this context).

Part 2

came

Started his term or reached the position.

Part 3

to the White House

To the official office and residence of the U.S. President in Washington, D.C.

Part 4

promising to end America’s

Giving a public word that he would stop all the long-running military conflicts the U.S. was involved in.

Context and Background

The White House

The White House is the official residence and primary workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It is often used as a metonym for the U.S. presidency and its administration.

Sentence 2 of 26

English Original

That promise now lies in ashes in West Asia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That promise

The public commitment given by Donald Trump to stop the wars.

Part 2

now

At this current moment in 2026.

Part 3

lies

Is present or exists (here used to show the state of something).

Part 4

In a state of total destruction or complete failure.

Part 5

In the region also known as the Middle East, where the conflict is happening.

Sentence 3 of 26

English Original

The far-right Republican, who, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an all-out war against Iran on February 28 and killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has proved to be one of the most reckless warmongers ever to occupy the Oval Office.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Republican

Donald Trump, referring to his radical and extreme political views.

Part 2

who, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an against Iran on February 28 and killed its , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Who, working together with Israel’s leader, started a full-scale war and assassinated Iran’s highest leader at the end of February.

Part 3

has proved to be

Has been shown or demonstrated by his actions to be (a certain way).

Part 4

one of the most ever to occupy the

One of the most careless people who encourage war to ever work as the U.S. President.

Context and Background

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989. In Iran’s political system, the Supreme Leader holds more power than the President, serving as the commander-in-chief and the final authority on foreign policy and internal matters.

Sentence 4 of 26

English Original

Blood is on the hands of these two men — one a mercurial hard nationalist who is turning America into a rogue superpower, and the other, an expansionist ethnonationalist wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Blood

The responsibility for the killing and deaths.

Part 2

Is present or exists (here showing ownership of guilt).

Part 3

on the hands of these two men

Is the responsibility of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Part 4

one a who is turning America into a

The first one (Trump) is an unpredictable leader who loves his country blindly and is making America a powerful nation that ignores international laws.

Part 5

and the other, an wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court

And the second one (Netanyahu) is a leader who wants to take more land, focuses on his ethnic group, and is being searched for by the world’s court for war crimes.

Context and Background

ICC and Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others in late 2024. The warrants allege responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, marking a rare instance of a Western-allied leader being targeted by the court.

Sentence 5 of 26

English Original

Mr. Trump has bombed at least seven countries in the 13 months that he has been in office.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

The President of the United States.

Part 2

has bombed

Has ordered military attacks using bombs or missiles.

Part 3

at least seven countries

Minimum seven different nations.

Part 4

in the 13 months that he has been

During the 13 months he has served as President this term.

Sentence 6 of 26

English Original

Under Mr. Netanyahu, Israel has operated far outside the boundaries of international law.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Under Mr. Netanyahu

During the time that Benjamin Netanyahu has been leading the Israeli government.

Part 2

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 3

has operated

Has acted or functioned (referring to military and political actions).

Part 4

far outside the boundaries of

In a way that very clearly breaks the common rules that all countries are supposed to follow.

Sentence 7 of 26

English Original

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks, targeting Israeli and American bases in the Persian Gulf and Jordan, that risks widening the war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran.

Part 2

has responded

Has taken military action in return for the attacks it faced.

Part 3

with missile and

By using rockets and unmanned flying machines to hit back.

Part 4

targeting Israeli and American bases in the Persian Gulf and Jordan

Aimed at military stations belonging to Israel and the U.S. located in the Gulf sea area and the country of Jordan.

Part 5

that risks

Action that might cause the conflict to grow into a much larger regional or global battle.

Context and Background

Persian Gulf Strategy

The Persian Gulf is one of the most strategic waterways in the world, as it is the primary export route for oil from countries like Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Any military conflict here can lead to a significant disruption of global energy supplies.

Sentence 8 of 26

English Original

Tehran has also announced the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, a move that risks a global economic fallout, especially for major oil importers such as India.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tehran

The government of Iran (represented by its capital city).

Part 2

also

In addition to launching the missile and drone attacks.

Part 3

has announced

Has formally made a public statement about its decision.

Part 4

the closure of the

Shutting down the extremely important narrow waterway used for oil ships.

Part 5

a move that risks a global

An action that could lead to a harmful worldwide economic result.

Part 6

especially for major such as India

Particularly for countries like India that need to buy large amounts of oil from other nations.

Context and Background

Impact on India

The Strait of Hormuz is vital for India, as nearly 60% of India’s crude oil imports pass through this narrow waterway. Any closure or disruption can lead to a sharp rise in fuel prices, higher inflation, and a serious threat to India’s economic stability.

Sentence 9 of 26

English Original

To be clear, this is not a “pre-emptive” war, as Israel has claimed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

To be clear

To speak plainly and honestly about the situation.

Part 2

this

The current war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Part 3

is not

Does not represent or cannot be considered as.

Part 4

a “” war

A war started to prevent an attack that is believed to be coming soon.

Part 5

as Israel has

According to the official statement made by the Israeli government.

Sentence 10 of 26

English Original

There was no evidence that Iran was preparing to launch an attack.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

There

A word used to start the sentence and introduce the fact.

Part 2

was

Existed or was present (here used with ‘no’ to mean did not exist).

Part 3

no that Iran was preparing to

No proof or signs at all that the country of Iran was getting ready to start a military strike.

Sentence 11 of 26

English Original

On the contrary, Tehran was involved in serious negotiations with Washington under Omani mediation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

On the contrary

Instead of what was claimed (used to show the opposite is true).

Part 2

Tehran

The Iranian government.

Part 3

was involved

Was taking part or participating in.

Part 4

in serious with

In very important and formal talks with the U.S. government to find an agreement.

Part 5

under Omani

With the help of the country of Oman acting as a neutral middleman between the two sides.

Context and Background

Oman

Oman has traditionally played the role of a neutral mediator in West Asia, often facilitating secret and open talks between the U.S. and Iran. Its balanced foreign policy allows it to communicate with both sides when they are not speaking directly to each other.

Sentence 12 of 26

English Original

On February 27, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said that a deal was within reach, based on Iran’s commitment not to build a bomb or stockpile nuclear material.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

On February 27

One day before the major military attack on Iran took place.

Part 2

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi

The top diplomat from Oman who was helping with the talks.

Part 3

said

Officially stated or informed the public.

Part 4

that a deal was , based on Iran’s not to build a bomb or

That an agreement was almost ready, because Iran promised not to make nuclear weapons or collect large amounts of nuclear fuel.

Sentence 13 of 26

English Original

Within hours, American and Israeli missiles struck Iran, killing its head of state and top leaders.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Within hours

In a very short time after the peace talk news was announced.

Part 2

American and Israeli missiles

Long-range rockets used for weapons from both the U.S. and Israel.

Part 3

struck

Hit or attacked with great force.

Part 4

Iran

The target country.

Part 5

killing its and top leaders

Causing the death of Iran’s main leader (the Supreme Leader) and other powerful officials.

Sentence 14 of 26

English Original

This is not the first time that diplomacy has been overtaken by force.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The current event where a war started instead of a peaceful deal.

Part 2

is not

Does not represent (in the sense that it has happened before).

Part 3

the first time that has been

The first incident where peaceful talks were defeated or replaced by military power.

Sentence 15 of 26

English Original

In 2018, Mr. Trump single-handedly sabotaged the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2018

In the year 2018, during Donald Trump’s first presidency.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

The President of the United States.

Part 3

Done by himself alone, without the support or help of other countries involved.

Part 4

Deliberately destroyed or ruined the plan or agreement.

Part 5

the

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and world powers to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.

Context and Background

The JCPOA Withdrawal

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. In 2018, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal, calling it ‘one-sided’ and ‘defective’, which led to renewed tensions in the region.

Sentence 16 of 26

English Original

In June 2025, while Iran was negotiating with the U.S., Israel launched a unilateral attack, triggering the 12-day war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In June 2025

In June of the previous year (in the editorial’s timeline).

Part 2

while Iran was negotiating with the U.S.

During the time that Iran was having peaceful discussions with the United States.

Part 3

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 4

launched

Started or initiated (the attack).

Part 5

a attack

A military strike made by one side alone without others’ agreement.

Part 6

the 12-day war

Causing a short military conflict that lasted for 12 days to begin.

Sentence 17 of 26

English Original

This time, however, the attack is far more dangerous.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This time

In the case of the current 2026 conflict.

Part 2

however

But (used to show that this situation is different from past ones).

Part 3

the attack

The current military strike launched by the U.S. and Israel.

Part 4

Represents or currently exists as.

Part 5

far more dangerous

Much more likely to cause great harm or a bigger war than the earlier ones.

Sentence 18 of 26

English Original

This war is not about giving Iranians their “freedom” either, as Mr. Trump has claimed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This war

The current military conflict started by the U.S. and Israel.

Part 2

is not

Is not truly motivated by or focused on.

Part 3

about giving Iranians their “freedom”

Concerning the goal of making the people of Iran free and democratic.

Part 4

either

Also (used here to say that another reason is also false).

Part 5

as Mr. Trump has

According to what Donald Trump has told the public as the reason for the war.

Sentence 19 of 26

English Original

The U.S. maintains close ties with several repressive monarchies and dictatorships, where freedom rarely enters the equation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The U.S.

The United States government.

Part 2

maintains

Keeps or continues to have (strong relationships).

Part 3

close ties

Very friendly and supportive official relationships.

Part 4

with several and

With many countries ruled by unfair kings or powerful leaders who do not let their people be free.

Part 5

where freedom rarely

In places where the idea of rights or freedom for the people is almost never a part of the policy.

Sentence 20 of 26

English Original

Nor has Washington shown any qualms about Israel’s crimes against the defenceless, stateless Palestinian people.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Nor

And also not (used to add another negative fact to the argument).

Part 2

Washington

The government of the United States.

Part 3

has shown

Has demonstrated or expressed (any feeling).

Part 4

any

Any feeling of worry or guilt about whether something is morally right or wrong.

Part 5

about Israel’s crimes against the , Palestinian people

Concerning the harmful acts done by Israel to the Palestinian people who have no army to protect them and no recognized country of their own.

Sentence 21 of 26

English Original

This is a war of choice, launched to eliminate an adversary and reshape the region to suit American and Israeli interests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The military conflict against Iran.

Part 2

Represents or currently exists as.

Part 3

A war that was started intentionally by the leaders, rather than one they were forced into for survival.

Part 4

launched to an and the region to suit American and Israeli interests

Started with the goal of removing an enemy (Iran) and changing the Middle East to make it better for the U.S. and Israel.

Sentence 22 of 26

English Original

Such thuggery cannot be accepted in the international system.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such

Violent and lawless behavior like this (attacks without legal reason).

Part 2

cannot be accepted

Must not be tolerated or allowed by the rest of the world.

Part 3

in the international system

Within the world community of countries and the rules they share.

Sentence 23 of 26

English Original

The war machines of the imperial duo have already wrecked the region.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The of the

The powerful military forces of the U.S. and Israel, who are acting together like large empires.

Part 2

already

By this time (showing the damage is already done).

Part 3

have

Have completely destroyed or ruined.

Part 4

the region

The Middle East (West Asia).

Sentence 24 of 26

English Original

Before the fire spreads further, this war must end.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Before the spreads further

Before the conflict Grows even bigger and affects more people or places.

Part 2

this war

The current military battle.

Part 3

must end

Is required to stop immediately and completely.

Sentence 25 of 26

English Original

America should step back and Israel must be reined in.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

America

The United States of America.

Part 2

should

Ought to reduce or stop its military part in the war.

Part 3

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 4

must be

Must be forcefully controlled or stopped from taking more aggressive actions.

Sentence 26 of 26

English Original

Otherwise, even the last vestige of the rules-based order will be shredded entirely.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Otherwise

If these actions are not stopped or reined in.

Part 2

even the last of the

Even the small remaining part of the system where countries follow global laws and peace.

Part 3

will be

Will be completely torn apart or destroyed.

Part 4

entirely

Completely and totally.

Sentence 1 of 26

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The editorial condemns the high-risk military escalation by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
2 It highlights the contradiction between Donald Trump’s campaign promises to end ‘endless wars’ and his current reckless military actions in West Asia.
3 The conflict has led to a major regional crisis, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies and India’s economic interests.
4 The piece criticizes the unilateral nature of the attack, which occurred while diplomatic negotiations for a nuclear deal were reportedly nearing a breakthrough.
5 It warns that such ‘thuggery’ undermines the rules-based international order and calls for immediate de-escalation to prevent a wider regional conflagration.

Tone of the Editorial

Critical

Why this tone?

The editorial is deeply critical and disapproving of the military actions taken by the U.S. and Israel. It uses strong, emotive language like “reckless warmongers”, “rogue superpower”, and “thuggery” to describe the leadership and their actions. The tone is one of alarm and moral indignation at the violation of international norms and the sabotaging of diplomatic efforts.

Sentence 1 of 26

Donald Trump came to the White House promising to end America’s endless wars.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States (in this context).

Part 2

came

Started his term or reached the position.

Part 3

to the White House

To the official office and residence of the U.S. President in Washington, D.C.

Part 4

promising to end America’s endless wars

Giving a public word that he would stop all the long-running military conflicts the U.S. was involved in.

Sentence 2 of 26

That promise now lies in ashes in West Asia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That promise

The public commitment given by Donald Trump to stop the wars.

Part 2

now

At this current moment in 2026.

Part 3

lies

Is present or exists (here used to show the state of something).

Part 4

in ashes

In a state of total destruction or complete failure.

Part 5

in West Asia

In the region also known as the Middle East, where the conflict is happening.

Sentence 3 of 26

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The far-right Republican

Donald Trump, referring to his radical and extreme political views.

Part 2

who, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an all-out war against Iran on February 28 and killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Who, working together with Israel’s leader, started a full-scale war and assassinated Iran’s highest leader at the end of February.

Part 3

has proved to be

Has been shown or demonstrated by his actions to be (a certain way).

Part 4

one of the most reckless warmongers ever to occupy the Oval Office

One of the most careless people who encourage war to ever work as the U.S. President.

Sentence 4 of 26

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Blood

The responsibility for the killing and deaths.

Part 2

Is present or exists (here showing ownership of guilt).

Part 3

on the hands of these two men

Is the responsibility of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Part 4

one a mercurial hard nationalist who is turning America into a rogue superpower

The first one (Trump) is an unpredictable leader who loves his country blindly and is making America a powerful nation that ignores international laws.

Part 5

and the other, an expansionist ethnonationalist wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court

And the second one (Netanyahu) is a leader who wants to take more land, focuses on his ethnic group, and is being searched for by the world’s court for war crimes.

Sentence 5 of 26

Mr. Trump has bombed at least seven countries in the 13 months that he has been in office.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

The President of the United States.

Part 2

has bombed

Has ordered military attacks using bombs or missiles.

Part 3

at least seven countries

Minimum seven different nations.

Part 4

in the 13 months that he has been in office

During the 13 months he has served as President this term.

Sentence 6 of 26

Under Mr. Netanyahu, Israel has operated far outside the boundaries of international law.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Under Mr. Netanyahu

During the time that Benjamin Netanyahu has been leading the Israeli government.

Part 2

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 3

has operated

Has acted or functioned (referring to military and political actions).

Part 4

far outside the boundaries of international law

In a way that very clearly breaks the common rules that all countries are supposed to follow.

Sentence 7 of 26

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks, targeting Israeli and American bases in the Persian Gulf and Jordan, that risks widening the war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran.

Part 2

has responded

Has taken military action in return for the attacks it faced.

Part 3

with missile and drone attacks

By using rockets and unmanned flying machines to hit back.

Part 4

targeting Israeli and American bases in the Persian Gulf and Jordan

Aimed at military stations belonging to Israel and the U.S. located in the Gulf sea area and the country of Jordan.

Part 5

that risks widening the war

Action that might cause the conflict to grow into a much larger regional or global battle.

Sentence 8 of 26

Tehran has also announced the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, a move that risks a global economic fallout, especially for major oil importers such as India.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tehran

The government of Iran (represented by its capital city).

Part 2

also

In addition to launching the missile and drone attacks.

Part 3

has announced

Has formally made a public statement about its decision.

Part 4

the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz

Shutting down the extremely important narrow waterway used for oil ships.

Part 5

a move that risks a global economic fallout

An action that could lead to a harmful worldwide economic result.

Part 6

especially for major oil importers such as India

Particularly for countries like India that need to buy large amounts of oil from other nations.

Sentence 9 of 26

To be clear, this is not a “pre-emptive” war, as Israel has claimed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

To be clear

To speak plainly and honestly about the situation.

Part 2

this

The current war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Part 3

is not

Does not represent or cannot be considered as.

Part 4

a “pre-emptive” war

A war started to prevent an attack that is believed to be coming soon.

Part 5

as Israel has claimed

According to the official statement made by the Israeli government.

Sentence 10 of 26

There was no evidence that Iran was preparing to launch an attack.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

There

A word used to start the sentence and introduce the fact.

Part 2

was

Existed or was present (here used with ‘no’ to mean did not exist).

Part 3

no evidence that Iran was preparing to launch an attack

No proof or signs at all that the country of Iran was getting ready to start a military strike.

Sentence 11 of 26

On the contrary, Tehran was involved in serious negotiations with Washington under Omani mediation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

On the contrary

Instead of what was claimed (used to show the opposite is true).

Part 2

Tehran

The Iranian government.

Part 3

was involved

Was taking part or participating in.

Part 4

in serious negotiations with Washington

In very important and formal talks with the U.S. government to find an agreement.

Part 5

under Omani mediation

With the help of the country of Oman acting as a neutral middleman between the two sides.

Sentence 12 of 26

On February 27, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said that a deal was within reach, based on Iran’s commitment not to build a bomb or stockpile nuclear material.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

On February 27

One day before the major military attack on Iran took place.

Part 2

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi

The top diplomat from Oman who was helping with the talks.

Part 3

said

Officially stated or informed the public.

Part 4

that a deal was within reach, based on Iran’s commitment not to build a bomb or stockpile nuclear material

That an agreement was almost ready, because Iran promised not to make nuclear weapons or collect large amounts of nuclear fuel.

Sentence 13 of 26

Within hours, American and Israeli missiles struck Iran, killing its head of state and top leaders.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Within hours

In a very short time after the peace talk news was announced.

Part 2

American and Israeli missiles

Long-range rockets used for weapons from both the U.S. and Israel.

Part 3

struck

Hit or attacked with great force.

Part 4

Iran

The target country.

Part 5

killing its head of state and top leaders

Causing the death of Iran’s main leader (the Supreme Leader) and other powerful officials.

Sentence 14 of 26

This is not the first time that diplomacy has been overtaken by force.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The current event where a war started instead of a peaceful deal.

Part 2

is not

Does not represent (in the sense that it has happened before).

Part 3

the first time that diplomacy has been overtaken by force

The first incident where peaceful talks were defeated or replaced by military power.

Sentence 15 of 26

In 2018, Mr. Trump single-handedly sabotaged the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2018

In the year 2018, during Donald Trump’s first presidency.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

The President of the United States.

Part 3

single-handedly

Done by himself alone, without the support or help of other countries involved.

Part 4

sabotaged

Deliberately destroyed or ruined the plan or agreement.

Part 5

the 2015 nuclear agreement

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and world powers to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.

Sentence 16 of 26

In June 2025, while Iran was negotiating with the U.S., Israel launched a unilateral attack, triggering the 12-day war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In June 2025

In June of the previous year (in the editorial’s timeline).

Part 2

while Iran was negotiating with the U.S.

During the time that Iran was having peaceful discussions with the United States.

Part 3

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 4

launched

Started or initiated (the attack).

Part 5

a unilateral attack

A military strike made by one side alone without others’ agreement.

Part 6

triggering the 12-day war

Causing a short military conflict that lasted for 12 days to begin.

Sentence 17 of 26

This time, however, the attack is far more dangerous.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This time

In the case of the current 2026 conflict.

Part 2

however

But (used to show that this situation is different from past ones).

Part 3

the attack

The current military strike launched by the U.S. and Israel.

Part 4

Represents or currently exists as.

Part 5

far more dangerous

Much more likely to cause great harm or a bigger war than the earlier ones.

Sentence 18 of 26

This war is not about giving Iranians their “freedom” either, as Mr. Trump has claimed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This war

The current military conflict started by the U.S. and Israel.

Part 2

is not

Is not truly motivated by or focused on.

Part 3

about giving Iranians their “freedom”

Concerning the goal of making the people of Iran free and democratic.

Part 4

either

Also (used here to say that another reason is also false).

Part 5

as Mr. Trump has claimed

According to what Donald Trump has told the public as the reason for the war.

Sentence 19 of 26

The U.S. maintains close ties with several repressive monarchies and dictatorships, where freedom rarely enters the equation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The U.S.

The United States government.

Part 2

maintains

Keeps or continues to have (strong relationships).

Part 3

close ties

Very friendly and supportive official relationships.

Part 4

with several repressive monarchies and dictatorships

With many countries ruled by unfair kings or powerful leaders who do not let their people be free.

Part 5

where freedom rarely enters the equation

In places where the idea of rights or freedom for the people is almost never a part of the policy.

Sentence 20 of 26

Nor has Washington shown any qualms about Israel’s crimes against the defenceless, stateless Palestinian people.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Nor

And also not (used to add another negative fact to the argument).

Part 2

Washington

The government of the United States.

Part 3

has shown

Has demonstrated or expressed (any feeling).

Part 4

any qualms

Any feeling of worry or guilt about whether something is morally right or wrong.

Part 5

about Israel’s crimes against the defenceless, stateless Palestinian people

Concerning the harmful acts done by Israel to the Palestinian people who have no army to protect them and no recognized country of their own.

Sentence 21 of 26

This is a war of choice, launched to eliminate an adversary and reshape the region to suit American and Israeli interests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The military conflict against Iran.

Part 2

Represents or currently exists as.

Part 3

a war of choice

A war that was started intentionally by the leaders, rather than one they were forced into for survival.

Part 4

launched to eliminate an adversary and reshape the region to suit American and Israeli interests

Started with the goal of removing an enemy (Iran) and changing the Middle East to make it better for the U.S. and Israel.

Sentence 22 of 26

Such thuggery cannot be accepted in the international system.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such thuggery

Violent and lawless behavior like this (attacks without legal reason).

Part 2

cannot be accepted

Must not be tolerated or allowed by the rest of the world.

Part 3

in the international system

Within the world community of countries and the rules they share.

Sentence 23 of 26

The war machines of the imperial duo have already wrecked the region.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The war machines of the imperial duo

The powerful military forces of the U.S. and Israel, who are acting together like large empires.

Part 2

already

By this time (showing the damage is already done).

Part 3

have wrecked

Have completely destroyed or ruined.

Part 4

the region

The Middle East (West Asia).

Sentence 24 of 26

Before the fire spreads further, this war must end.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Before the fire spreads further

Before the conflict Grows even bigger and affects more people or places.

Part 2

this war

The current military battle.

Part 3

must end

Is required to stop immediately and completely.

Sentence 25 of 26

America should step back and Israel must be reined in.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

America

The United States of America.

Part 2

should step back

Ought to reduce or stop its military part in the war.

Part 3

Israel

The nation of Israel.

Part 4

must be reined in

Must be forcefully controlled or stopped from taking more aggressive actions.

Sentence 26 of 26

Otherwise, even the last vestige of the rules-based order will be shredded entirely.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Otherwise

If these actions are not stopped or reined in.

Part 2

even the last vestige of the rules-based order

Even the small remaining part of the system where countries follow global laws and peace.

Part 3

will be shredded

Will be completely torn apart or destroyed.

Part 4

entirely

Completely and totally.

Reading Comprehension

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Reading Comprehension - War Against Iran

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the 2026 U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran.

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Editorial Categories

Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 3 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 161 Idioms and Phrases 113 Phrasal Verbs 54

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Imperial war: on the war against Iran

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension - War Against Iran

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