Foul play has revived tensions between the US and Iran. Earlier in the month, a shipment of oil was intentionally exploded as alleged by Director of the US Joint Staff Rear Admiral Michael Gilday. The US places blame directly on Iran, although this is unverified at the time of writing. The tensions have escalated since then, regardless. President Donald Trump’s directives to deploy 1,500 troops to the Middle East in defence of any further such attacks spells threats all around.
The explosive nature of the attack reeks of terror but because it seemed to target cargo goods and not human life, we can deduce that this was a politically-motivated move or a sabotage attempt — as also stated by the UAE government. Iran was already irked by increased US sanctions on countries trading with Iran. The US has been uncontrollable and impulsive in its decisions. The two nations have continued to engage in show of prowess with both economies becoming vulnerable. Washington should remain alert, however, that an attempt to bring Iran’s economy down to its knees will face backlash. The action of sending more troops to the region in defence might be a reasonable response to the attack, given that Iran was behind it. However, a gross miscalculation could wreak havoc and this should be avoided at all costs.
Should tensions continue to escalate between Iran and the US, Pakistan may have a role to play. Iran and Pakistan have enjoyed a congenial alliance while Pakistan also needs the US for stability in some areas. It will be prudent, therefore, for Islamabad to strategise where its stands and what public statement it might issue should the need arise. With a restricted economy at present, Pakistan’s stance will have to be well thought-out. All stakeholders must also take into account the tendency of the US and others to make sudden statements, such as President Trump’s sanctions and reneging on the promise to bring troops out of the Middle East and back on home soil.
