TENSION flared across the Middle East on Wednesday as the US began withdrawing personnel from crucial bases in the region, while Tehran warned that it would retaliate against American bases in the Gulf, if Washington initiated an attack.
The catalyst for showdown is violent protests within Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters, declaring in a Tuesday interview that ‘help is on the way’ and vowing ‘very strong action’ if executions of demonstrators continue.
There are clear indications of an imminent war with serious consequences for people of Iran, who are already facing immense difficulties due to comprehensive sanctions as well as for the region and beyond because the conflict and resultant instability could jolt world’s economy. President Trump has already announced imposition of 25% additional tariff on countries having trade with Iran and a full-fledged war would mean more challenges for international trade. The message of the US President to protestors in Iran that help was on the way is being described by analysts as a clear sign that the US has, for all practical purposes, decided to initiate a war against Iran. This is despite the fact that Tehran has shown flexibility in its attitude with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi telling Fox News there was no plan for hanging at all. President Trump too has acknowledged that killings in the Iranian government’s crackdown on the protests were subsiding and that he believed there was currently no plan for large-scale executions.
At the same time, reports say he was weighing options to respond to situation in Iran and Tehran has warned it would hit American bases if attacked. The war seems a possibility as both the US and the UK are withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East for fear of reprisals. Reports also indicate that countries like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman were engaged in unannounced lobbying to help prevent a war but European sources claim President Trump has already taken a decision to intervene. In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a telephonic conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the evolving situation in the Middle-East. The US must listen to the voices of reason and discard tendency of seeking regime changes through use of force.
