Can US ask Israel to attack Iran?

- Anil Narendra

The confrontation between Iran and Western countries is entering a dangerous phase. In Brussels, the European Union, under the leadership of the US has opened a new front against the Iranian leaders. US have been asking the Asian countries to stop importing crude oil from Iran. Iran is being pressurized from all sides and its currency is weakening. In response to the American campaign, Iran has threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, situated at the mouth of Persian Gulf. The Iranian threat has created concern in the world oil markets. Military experts are, however, questioning the ability of Iran to close the Strait. But, US and its allies have already warned Iran of stern action, in case he closes the Strait. The UAAS Abraham Lincoln along with British and French warships has entered the Persian Gulf without any resistance from Iran. Almost half of oil produced in the world is transported by tankers through identified sea lines. Though this oil blockade in the Strait of Hormouz in the Persian Gulf is temporary, yet it can escalate the energy cost world over to new heights. Terming the decision regarding restriction on purchase of the Iranian oil as unfair, Iran has said that this decision will have to be reversed very soon. Iran has clarified that its nuclear programme is for fulfilling its energy needs and it would continue with it in the face of all restrictions. Meanwhile, announcing the EU decision, Nicolas Sarkozi, the French President, Angela Merkel and the British Prime Minister, David Cameroon said in a joint statement that our message was clear. We have no enmity towards the Iranian people. But the Iranian leadership has failed to restore the trust of the international community regarding the peaceful nature of their nuclear programme. The European leaders have made it clear that they would not agree to Iran procuring nuclear weapons. The three leaders asked Iran to stop its sensitive nuclear activities immediately and called upon it to fully fulfill its international obligations.
The US is also afraid that Israel may take advantage of the situation and attack Iran. Quoting Pentagon sources, the Wall Street Journal has said that US President Barak Obama, Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta and other senior officials have sent messages to Israel, warning it of grave consequences of attack on Iran. Obama also talked to Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu on phone. A few days earlier, an Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in a car bomb blast in Tehran. Iran had called Israel responsible for this attack. Immediately after the attack, an Iranian official said that the way, two motorcycle-borne assailants targeted the vehicle with magnetic bomb, was similar to the modus operendi adopted in killing of three other scientists during last two years. There were even anti-US slogans in the Iranian Parliament. The tension prevailing between Iran and these Western countries does not augur well for the rest of the world. If oil supply is obstructed, it would have its effect on India also. If it comes to war with Israel, then Iran would try to take Israel head on. On the other hand, America may use Israel in attacking Iran. The greatest threat from the Iranian nuclear programme is for Israel and it would never like Iran to become a nuclear country. In case, Israel takes military action against Iran, other Arab countries in the Middle East might be compelled to join hands with Iran against Israel. If it happens, already disturbed Middle East might become more disturbed. In fact, it has been the American policy to take control of the oil reserves of Arabian countries on one pretext or the other. Let us hope this confrontation is avoided.