INDIAN discourses on Chabahar are in a tizzy over the perceived US threat of sanctions hanging like a Damocles' sword on our contract with Iran to run a terminal at the port and the promise to invest in downstream projects to the tune of $350 million. But when it comes to US-Iran, issues get complicated, and the paradox is that the US is far from being in a punishing mood in the Gulf nowadays.
It must be understood that the hostility between the US and Iran has been somewhat surreal all through, with neither side wanting to escalate.
The only country that is genuinely interested in escalation is Israel. That was the leitmotif of Israel's attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1. Washington was aghast that it was not in the loop and very angry that Israel precipitated the crisis when a working relationship with Iran was an imperative need.
What ensued becomes a case study in the US-Iranian conundrum. Incredibly enough, what happened between April 1 and April 14 (when Iran retaliated against Israel) was that Washington and Tehran worked together so that Iran's retaliation would be "limited" and the US would see it coming so that it could defend Israel.
Washington prevailed upon Tehran not to hit populated areas but restrict itself to one or two Israeli military targets. An informal "hotline" was set up via Oman so that the crisis wouldn't spin out of control.
All this, of course, put Israel in a quandary and its swagger in the bazaar of punching above its weight and taking on a formidable adversary like Iran stands exposed. Furthermore, when Israel subsequently "retaliated" against Iran on April 19, the US kept it on a tight leash. Israelis ended up hitting one Iranian radar near Isfahan and that was the end of the story.
Esta historia es de la edición May 24, 2024 de The New Indian Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 24, 2024 de The New Indian Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Spain lay down marker Croatia with win over
SPAIN made a dream start to Euro 2024 as Alvaro Morata scored in a statement 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player in the competition's history.
UPLEFTMENT OF STATUS
There has been a significant rise in the number of left-arm seamers, especially in the T20 format. Gomesh S talks to former India bowling coach, B Arun, to understand the reasons behind it and more...
Three Lions seek redemption
JULY 11 2021, was supposed to be the day of days for England's men's football team.
Rules of Data Protection law drafting in advanced stage: Ashwini Vaishnaw
MINISTER for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said drafting of rules under the data protection legislation is in advanced stage with industry-wide consultations slated soon.
ELON MUSK WINS $56BN PAY VOTE BUT IS IT DOWNHILL FROM HERE?
ELON Musk has hogged corporate headlines in recent days over his $56 billion payout package; and he once again proved he never fails to surprise!
Petrol, diesel to get costlier in Karnataka
KARNATAKA government on Saturday hiked sales tax on fuel, making petrol and diesel costlier.
Bajaj Housing Finance's ₹7,000 cr IPO to shake up industry valuation
Experts say co looking for valuation of a ₹83,550 cr, which would make it largest in the industry
Ukrainian hope floats at the Swiss peace summit
US Vice President Kamala Harris reiterates America's full support to Ukraine, announces $1.5 billion more in assistance to repair infrastructure
Won't take traitors back, will stay together for polls: Pawar & Uddhav
SHARAD Pawar on Saturday ruled out taking his nephew, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, back to his party after speculation whirled about BJP dropping him as its ally for the upcoming state assembly elections.
BJP's Tesam Pongte is Arunachal Speaker as CM allocates portfolios
BJP MLA Tesam Pongte was on Saturday unanimously elected as the speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.