- Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, with Israel targeting Iran and Lebanon while the US limits strikes on power infrastructure.
- Pakistan’s role as mediator tests its defense pact with Saudi Arabia, raising strategic concerns for India.
- US President Donald Trump is extending deadlines but the conflict is expected to c
As tensions persist in the Middle East, contradictory statements from the US and Iran have intensified the conflict, including Israel's intent to hit strategic targets in Iran and Lebanon. While US policy has restrained attacks on critical power infrastructure, military operations are likely to continue.
Another point of concern is Pakistan's role as mediator. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev, in an interview, suggested Pakistan's actions will test the strength of its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. "Pakistan's defence pact will decide how it will behave in this conflict. A litmus test for the Saudis is that Pakistan has signed a mutual defense treaty- an attack on one is considered an attack on the other."
While warning against the future actions of Saudi Arabia, Sachdev said, “Saudi has been attacked, but what has Pakistan done to get into the war on behalf of the Saudis? If Pakistan becomes active, it will prove to be a working treaty. This should worry India. In the future, when we have any issue with Pakistan, Saudi will play a role against India, and that is really a warning."
Commenting on US President Donald Trump's approach to the war, the expert highlighted "TACO- Trump Always Chickens Out,” a term used by Wall Street traders to describe Trump's pattern during tariffs. "Trump is halting attacks on power infrastructure, but the war will continue. Trump always carries on."
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Trump has granted Iran a five-day extension on his Monday deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under threat of attacks on its power plants. Although some maritime traffic has resumed, Iran has threatened to attacks on US and allied vessels. The US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, a series of surprise joint airstrikes across Iran.
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