ALMOST daily statements and moves of the United States vis-à-vis the Iranian conflict are perfect examples of flip-flop diplomacy creating uncertainties about a positive outcome of the peace process and damaging both credibility and reputation of the world’s only superpower.
The latest example is the remarks made by President Donald Trump that his representatives are having ‘very positive discussions’ with Iran that could “lead to something very positive for all” but at the same time he announced an initiative to guide vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz out of the waterway, which Tehran considers yet another violation of the ceasefire.
It is an open secret that the US goals regarding Iran have shifted from initial, sweeping aims of regime change and unconditional surrender toward more focused objectives, including degrading Iran’s nuclear, missile and drone capabilities. The strategy, driven by the Trump Administration, has alternated between military action and potential negotiations, with recent focus on reducing Iran’s naval power and proxy. However, another recent statement of the American President casts doubt about very intentions of the United States as in the midst of the diplomatic process, Trump came out with the strange logic that Iran has not yet “paid a big enough price” for its actions over the past 47 years, signaling skepticism toward new diplomatic proposals and keeping military options on the table. It is known to all that the United States jointed Israel during its aggression against Iran last year and later claimed its strikes annihilated Iranian nuclear programme but made the nuclear issue as raison d’être for carrying out latest military adventure against the country and that too when an agreement was within sight on the nuclear issue. Again during Pakistan-mediated first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, the nuclear issue reportedly included in the framework of the agreement that the two countries were close to signing. However, the entire process was torpedoed when the US Vice President Vance suddenly walked away after getting a telephone call from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Now the logic to punish Iran for its actions of the last 47 years is akin to the threat hurled by the US President about destruction of an entire civilization overnight. Such statements and actions convey an impression that the United States has no clear objectives or rationale for its uncalled for war against Iran and the only objective was to kill people and destroy the country as is also confirmed by frequent warnings of bombing power plants and bridges. All this also shows that the United States was merely advancing the agenda of the Jewish state, which wants realization of the dream of greater Israel on corpses of innocent people including women and children. No doubt, it is the demand and desire of almost all countries including Pakistan that commercial ships are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as before but addition of new twists to the prevailing countries only complicate the process aimed at de-escalation. Emboldened by the effectiveness of its blockade of Iranian ports, the United States is embarking upon another venture called ‘Project Freedom’ to provide security cover to stranded ships to navigate through the channel, warning that any interference with this ‘humanitarian’ process will be dealt with forcefully. On the other hand, Iran is also upbeat to enforce its blockade of Hormuz claiming its forces will sink US ships. The ill-timed move of the United States could undermine the peace process and also risks resumption of hostilities. Both sides must exercise utmost restraint and instead sort out their differences through acceptable mediation of Pakistan amid reports the 14-point proposal floated by Iran has the elements to form the basis for a permanent end to the conflict and uncertainty in the region.
