Israel Now a ‘Disobedient’ Policeman for Trump
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Israel that it “must expect severe punishment” following the “crime” of attacking Iran and killing several top-level military commanders and six nuclear scientists
Deadly conflict on cards. It’s almost a state of global alarm. Reports in Irani media claim at least six nuclear scientists were killed by Israeli strikes.
Tehran’s anguish is understandable. On the question of American hands behind the strikes, ‘Tehran Times’ says while the U.S. hasn’t officially admitted to cooperating with Israel, there are signs of involvement—such as American refuelling tankers operating near Iran 24 hours before the strike — along with unofficial reports suggesting U.S.-Israeli coordination.
The US has tried to wash off its hands in initial knee-jerk reaction.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Israel that it “must expect severe punishment” following the “crime” of attacking Iran and killing several top-level military commanders and six nuclear scientists.
The escalating tension will be a matter of deep concern at the global stage especially given the timing factor. In the words of Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, his government was “alarmed”.
“We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” Indian government said in a statement.
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites. India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the foreign ministry said.
The Israeli ‘Operation Rising Lion’ comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran over the latter's progressing work on its nuclear program.
Following the strikes, Israel is anticipating a retaliation from Iran and said it was declaring a state of emergency.
Israel's defence minister Israel Katz said in a statement after the strikes, “Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country's strikes on Iran are aimed at hurting its nuclear infrastructure, its ballistic missile factories and many of its military capabilities. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history... This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," Netanyahu said in a video message.
During the strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami was killed, reported the local media.
There are more ways than one to look at the strikes. While everyone is blaming Israel for escalating the global tension; many also believe the American blessings ought to be behind the move. They might see it as a synthesis of battle fields and the sports of billiards.
Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd), who commanded as many as three Army Commands in India from South Western to Central to Eastern, says: “The situation highlights complex power dynamics, where nations may be working together or separately to achieve their objectives,
While many blame Israel for escalating global tensions, others believe the US might be backing the move. This is a new policeman game. But the cop always has its command somewhere. In the changing situation, the US realises there are limits to its power. If it does not go along with a view held by a majority of major powers; it might have to go along with them unwillingly. But it can always ask its cop to do the job. This perspective suggests a strategic alignment between the US and Israel”.
Of course this means the US provides implicit support or "blessings" for Israel's actions.
The global concern is understandable.
Iran is a key nation in the Gulf region and if the conflict transforms into a full-fledged war or even ‘partial’; it will make a big difference to the life of other countries.
From the Indian point of view; a major area of concern will be the safety and security of the diaspora.
“Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories,” said Indian foreign ministry.
The White House is publicly separating itself from the military action, says BBC report but it also hastens to add that Trump is trying to signal they mean to stay out of this fight for the moment.
Of course there was a similar dynamic last year when Israel widened the conflict in the region. In the hours before Thursday's attacks, US officials were briefing that there would be ‘no American support’ in the event of Israeli action.
But Iran claims there was refuelling support from Americans. And hence the apprehension of things getting heightened is more.
Though US Secretary of State Rubio has sought to keep US at a safe distance from the Israeli decision – though Israelis indicate other stories; the statement for Rubio had a line of warning –"Let me be clear: Iran should not target US. interests or personnel."
There are chances that when Iran retaliates, it could also strike at a few American bases and military personnel.
Iranian authorities have remained defiant amid concerns that Israel could launch an attack on Iran as the global nuclear watchdog adopts another Western-led censure resolution.
Oman was scheduled to host a sixth round of talks on Sunday between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme. But Israel indicated it was “ready” to attack Iran even without military backing from Washington.
Iran is now planning a crushing response. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has written a letter to the United Nations saying Israel as the most brutal terrorist regime has crossed all red lines and the international community must not allow its strike on Iran go unpunished.
Araghchi demanded an immediate session of the United Nations Security Council as a response to this “open invasion”. And he asserted that Iran will give a crushing response to Israel.
How Trump has Again Failed ?
On the US complicity, experts suggest it was unlikely that Netanyahu would have launched the strike if he was explicitly given a red light by the Trump administration.
“There’s clearly some confusion in the US position right now … and some differences between the United States position and Israel’s position,” said William Wechsler, the senior director of the Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs at the Atlantic Council.
Global analysts say the US has to be blamed for the chaotic situation. One, it might have allowed Israel with such adventurism. Secondly, if it did not, it shows Trump is unable to control Netanyahu anymore.
Thirdly and more importantly, the American decision to retreat from the region, stemming from Trump’s decision to abandon the Iranian nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under the first Trump administration has led to a greater likelihood of conflict in the region.
The attack was “clearly intended to scuttle the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran,” said Senator Chris Murphy (as reported in The Guardian).
“This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu’s own making," he said.
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