Iran fully capable to thwart any military misadventure: Pak analyst

A Pakistani analyst says warmongers in Washington must not consider Iran naive like Afghanistan and Iraq as the country has substantial military and naval capabilities that can create chaos in the region and beyond.

Khurram Minhas in his article published in daily ‘The Nation’ said it will prove to be a historic mistake for conservatives to strike Iran.

He said tensions between Iran and the US have heightened since the American pull-out from Iran nuclear deal. 

He noted Trump has re-imposed sanctions on Iran and threatened those countries still buying Iranian oil. 

“In April this year, Trump has also listed Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization,” he said.

The analyst said Iran has pushed back by announcing 60 days deadline for the European countries to follow terms of Iran nuclear deal or Tehran would resume enrichment of uranium.

“Unlike previous administrations of the US, Trump’s administration has given mixed signals,” Khurram Minhas said. 

He added Mike Pompeo has said that, all options are on the table, while John Bolton seems to be more hawkish by deploying carrier strike group and bombers to Strait of Hormuz. 

The analyst said rather taking rational decisions, Bolton has been taking sides with anti-Iran lobbies. 

“These mixed signals have further complicated the situation and added confusion in the already chaotic security situation,” said the expert. 

He said unfortunately, the regional allies of the US are also encouraging the Trump administration to further escalate tensions. 

“Warmongers in Washington must not consider Iran as naive as Afghanistan of 2001 and Iraq of 2003. It will prove to be a historic mistake for conservatives as Iran has substantial military and naval capabilities that can create chaos in the region and beyond,” noted the analyst. 

“Most importantly, it has the capacity to choke the Strait of Hormuz, which is the corridor of 17 million barrels of oil supplies from the region to the entire world,” he warned.

Minhas went on to say furthermore, Iran has influence in four Arab capitals including Baghdad, Beirut, Sana’a and Damascus. “Any attack on Iran could have shocking ramifications for regional peace and stability,” he viewed. 

The analyst was if the view Trump’s fundamental problem is that he wants to undo everything what the Obama administration did at home and abroad. 

“Trump should show restraint rather pushing Iran to the corner,” he said.