US remains a key stabiliser in middle east tensions, says former Indian foreign secretary
Middle East, India has solid oil reserves sufficient to last 12 days, with additional supplies in refineries that can sustain the country for about 18 days. However, any breakdown in the Strait of Hormuz lasting beyond 30 days could have significant lagging effects on the global economy and Indian markets, said former Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai on Monday. “Moreover, there is concern that if a war spreads into the Gulf, it could affect the eight million expatriates living there,” he added.
The diplomat made these observations while discussing “The Middle East Quagmire: Will the Iran-Israel War Spiral Further?” at an event organized by Synergia, a Bengaluru-based think tank. Speaking about the recent developments and Israel's decision to scale back its attacks on Iran, Mathai believes that US influence remains a key stabilizer in the region, as its presence deters large-scale conflict.
“While Israel has formidable military and technological capacities, its vulnerabilities are showing. It currently needs U.S. assistance and must therefore rely on maintaining a solid line of communication with the decision-making authorities in Washington,” Mathai explained, adding that recent figures indicate as much as 40% of the next supply of missiles for the Iron Dome and Arrow will need to come from American sources.
Meanwhile, Iran is trying to buy time. “Iran faces economic challenges and weakening internal cohesion. Its goal is to secure some relief by having sanctions eased, restoring normal trade, and reviving
