Washington. The strategic equations of the Middle East are changing rapidly amid the deepening tension between Iran and America. According to international security reports, signs of possible military action in the Gulf region are now visible on the ground as well. Hundreds of troops have been evacuated from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and important US military bases in Bahrain. This movement of troops from Bahrain, which is the main hub of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, is being described as a precautionary step by the Pentagon. Recently there were also reports of withdrawal of American military troops from Syria, which makes it clear that America is securing and reorganizing its resources before any possible conflict against Iran.
US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance on the situation and indicated that he is not completely rejecting the option of a limited military attack on Iran. In a recent statement he made it clear that if an agreement is not reached on the nuclear program within the stipulated time frame, the consequences could be serious. Some strategic reports also claim that if military action is taken, Iran’s top leadership could be directly targeted. The Trump administration has given Iran 10 to 15 days to improve its policies, which is being seen as a final warning.
On the other hand, Iran has also kept the path of diplomacy open amid this pressure. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has announced that his country will prepare a new draft of the nuclear deal in the next two to three days. Araghchi adopted a balanced stance in an interview with international media and said that Iran is fully prepared for both peace and war situations. He expressed hope that serious negotiations could begin on this draft within a week, although he also made it clear that Iran will not compromise its national interests and sovereignty at any cost. Presently the Gulf region is standing at a juncture where on one hand there is massive military mobilization and on the other hand diplomatic efforts are going on to avert the crisis.
