URGENT UPDATE: An Israeli commentator has just revealed that the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran could fundamentally alter the political landscape of the Middle East. Writing in the Israeli outlet Yedioth Ahronot, Meir Swissa argues that this war may signify the collapse of the century-old Sykes-Picot order established after World War I.
Swissa asserts that the military conflict against Iran is not merely a tactical engagement, but a pivotal moment that could redefine regional geopolitics. He notes, “The Israeli-American war against Iran’s axis of evil is not just a military confrontation. It may be the conflict that finally erases the map drawn by Britain and France in 1916.” This statement underscores the potential for significant geopolitical shifts as the conflict escalates.
In a complex twist, Swissa highlights that Israel has inadvertently aligned itself with Sunni Arab interests in countering Iran’s influence. “Here lies the fascinating paradox: Israel has effectively become the contractor for the Sunni world,” he explains. This collaboration may benefit some Arab states reluctant to confront Iran directly, potentially reshaping alliances across the region.
However, Swissa warns that this shift could also destabilize the existing political framework based on modern nation-states, leading to a resurgence of tribal and clan-based power structures. He points out that as Iran’s influence wanes, the intricate network of alliances it has built through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may unravel. “We are watching, in real time, the collapse of the Sykes-Picot agreements and a return to the Middle East’s authentic structure — a mosaic of tribes, clans and local emirates,” he states.
The commentary comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following a joint US-Israeli assault that resulted in the death of top Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” further intensifying the conflict. As military actions escalate, NATO has raised its ballistic missile defense posture, and Israeli airstrikes have targeted positions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced approximately 500,000 people in Lebanon alone.
In a striking revelation from August 2025, US special envoy Tom Barrack stated that the US does not intend to adhere to the borders established by the Sykes-Picot agreement, hinting at a new era of regional diplomacy. “We have the capacity or the desire to take over Lebanon and Syria,” he remarked during an interview, emphasizing a significant departure from traditional US foreign policy.
Barrack’s comments reflect a growing realization that longstanding borders may not hold in the face of shifting alliances and power dynamics. The Sykes-Picot agreement, originally a product of colonial powers, has faced criticism for creating boundaries that ignore the region’s complex ethnic and sectarian realities.
As the conflict unfolds, Swissa predicts that Kurdish groups could rise as influential players in this new geopolitical landscape. “The inevitable finale is already visible on the horizon. If regime change in Tehran is completed, we could find ourselves at the opening of a historic peace conference — Sykes-Picot 2026,” he suggests.
The ramifications of these developments are profound, with the potential to reshape not only borders but the very fabric of Middle Eastern politics. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely, aware that these changes could have lasting impacts on millions across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
