Omar Abdullah Questions Israel's Justification for Attacking Iran

In a recent press conference held in Jammu, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, raised significant concerns regarding Israel's military actions against Iran. Addressing reporters after inaugurating an outreach office on June 20, 2025, Abdullah questioned the motives behind Israel's decision to launch an attack on Iran, stating, "This is not a good thing. War anywhere is not a good thing. What exactly did Iran do that forced Israel to attack?" Abdullah emphasized the urgency of de-escalating the conflict, asserting that such military engagements negatively impact civilians, particularly the more than 6,000 Indians currently trapped in the region due to the ongoing hostilities.

The Chief Minister's remarks come in the wake of Israel's recent military operations in Iran. He referenced a statement made by the U.S. intelligence chief two months prior, which had indicated that Iran was not close to developing a nuclear weapon. This inconsistency in intelligence assessments raised further questions about the rationale for Israel's actions. "Two months ago, the U.S. intelligence chief said that Iran is nowhere close to building a nuclear bomb. That was the evidence then. And now, after two months, Israel has suddenly launched an attack on Iran," Abdullah noted.

As the conflict escalates, Abdullah revealed that efforts are underway to evacuate stranded Indian nationals, including students. "We are evacuating them one by one. Ninety students from J-K have already been brought out, and another 400 have reached safer locations. Efforts are on to evacuate more than 6,000 students, out of which 1,400 are from Jammu and Kashmir," he stated. These evacuation efforts highlight the precarious situation faced by many civilians caught in the crossfire of international conflicts.

The Chief Minister also addressed the logistical challenges encountered during the evacuation, admitting that the initial transportation arrangements for students were inadequate. "As soon as we were informed, we arranged proper vehicles, and they are now reaching their homes. Officials there have been told to be more careful in the future," he added.

Beyond the immediate crisis, Abdullah discussed the broader implications of the conflict on the region's stability and the need for a cooperative approach to resource management, particularly water resources in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed strong opposition to a proposed construction of a canal intended to divert surplus water to other states, insisting that the immediate needs of Jammu and Kashmir residents must be prioritized. "Right now, Jammu is facing water scarcity. There is no water in the taps. Why should I send water to Punjab?" Abdullah argued, stressing the historical context of water sharing issues between the states.

Abdullah's comments reflect a growing concern among regional leaders regarding the impact of international conflicts on local populations and the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions. As the situation develops, the Indian government's response to both the Israel-Iran conflict and the associated humanitarian crisis will be closely scrutinized by both domestic and international observers.

In summary, Abdullah's statements underscore the complexities of geopolitical conflicts and their far-reaching consequences on civilians. With over 6,000 Indians trapped amidst a volatile situation, the demand for a swift resolution remains critical. As international diplomatic efforts continue, the hope is that tensions will ease, allowing for the safe return of affected individuals and a reconsideration of the broader implications of military actions in the region.