Opening paragraph: A tense situation in the Middle East, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has been ongoing for about five weeks. Concerns are growing that this regional conflict could expand worldwide, especially after former Indian Minister M. J. Akbar issued a serious warning on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. He stated that a possible US attack on Iran's Kharg Island could lead to a global war, dragging other countries into the dispute. This ongoing struggle is already causing a worldwide oil and energy crisis, impacting people everywhere.

What Happened?

The Middle East has been a hotbed of tension for over a month, with a significant conflict unfolding between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. This ongoing struggle is not just affecting the countries directly involved but is also having a ripple effect across the globe, leading to a major shortage and price hike in oil and energy supplies. The latest and most alarming development comes from US President Donald Trump, who has openly threatened Iran with a possible strike on its vital Kharg Island. This island is very important for Iran as it is a key point for exporting oil, making any attack there a huge blow.

The extreme danger of such an attack was clearly highlighted by M. J. Akbar, who previously served as India's Minister of State for External Affairs. Speaking exclusively to ABP News, he painted a stark picture of what could happen next. Akbar firmly stated that if the United States does attack Kharg Island, Iran would not hesitate to send its troops into nearby Gulf nations like Dubai and Bahrain. This move, he warned, would transform the current regional conflict into something much bigger – not just a 'World War' in the old sense, but a 'World Wide War' affecting many nations far beyond the immediate battleground. He explained that the nature of global conflicts has changed, making a widespread entanglement more likely than a localized 'world war.' He also noted Iran's unexpected resilience. Despite initial hopes from the US and Israel that the war would end quickly, Iran has shown strong national spirit and surprising technical skills. This includes a missile attack on Israel's Dimona nuclear research center, a strike Israel likely never expected.

Key Highlights

The Middle East conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has been going on for about five weeks.
This war is causing a major global oil and energy crisis, affecting countries worldwide.
US President Donald Trump has openly warned Iran about a possible attack on its important Kharg Island.
Former Indian Minister M. J. Akbar warned that a US strike on Kharg Island could turn the regional fight into a "World Wide War."
Akbar predicted that if Kharg Island is attacked, Iran would send its military forces into Dubai and Bahrain.
Iran has surprised many by showing strong technical abilities, even launching a missile at Israel's Dimona nuclear research center.
Iran invests heavily in research and development, spending 4% of its GDP and having 2,000 universities, which helps its military strength.

Why Does This Matter?

This escalating conflict in the Middle East matters greatly to common people everywhere, even those far from the battle zone. The most immediate impact is the global oil and energy crisis. When there's instability in a major oil-producing region like the Middle East, it causes oil prices to go up. This means higher costs for gasoline at the pump, increased electricity bills, and more expensive goods in stores, as transportation and manufacturing rely heavily on energy. For families, this can mean tighter budgets and less money for other needs, making daily life harder and more stressful, especially during an ongoing global economic strain.

Beyond money, the threat of a "World Wide War" brings a deep sense of worry and uncertainty. If the conflict spreads to countries like Dubai and Bahrain, as predicted, it could make international travel unsafe, disrupt global trade, and create fear about future stability. This news also highlights how dependent many Gulf countries are on external security, especially from the US. With that "umbrella" now seen as broken, people in these regions face the challenge of building a new way to stay safe, which affects their daily lives and sense of security. The whole situation shows how quickly a regional fight can touch everyone's lives, from their wallets to their sense of peace.

What Are People Saying?

Former Indian Minister M. J. Akbar's warnings have certainly caught attention. He shared a strong view that the old ways of war are gone, suggesting that any expansion of this conflict would be "World Wide" rather than just a traditional "World War." He also pointed out Iran's surprising strength and unity, noting how the death of their leader, Khamenei, actually brought Shia and Sunni communities together against foreign intervention. Akbar specifically highlighted Iran's ability to strike Israel's Dimona nuclear center, a feat Israel likely never imagined possible, showcasing Iran's advanced missile technology and indicating its self-reliance.

On the American side, President Donald Trump has hinted that the current mission is not fully complete, stating he will "finish the job next time." Similarly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that "more than half the objectives" have been achieved. However, the critical issue of securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for oil, remains unresolved and requires a solution from all sides. Akbar also commented on the role of other nations, saying that if India is asked to help find a solution, it should step forward because Prime Minister Narendra Modi's voice carries weight globally. He contrasted this with Pakistan's role, which he described as merely a "postman" for the United States, suggesting Pakistan lacks true independent influence in this complex situation.

Conclusion

The Middle East finds itself at a critical crossroads, with the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran threatening to escalate beyond regional bounds. The stark warning from M. J. Akbar about a potential "World Wide War" following an attack on Iran's Kharg Island underscores the severe global risks at play, including a worsening oil crisis and widespread instability. As the region grapples with broken security agreements and the need for new alliances, the international community, including powerful nations like India, faces a pressing challenge to encourage peace and prevent further escalation. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomacy can prevail over military action and guide the Middle East towards a more secure future for everyone.