Iran’s nuclear journey has been long and tortuous. It began under the Shah’s regime in the 1950s to become a symbol of scientific progress and a source of nationalist pride.
While the 60-year-old’s ascension could complicate efforts to revive the JCPOA, it’s not expected to derail them because they have the blessing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) sought to restrict Iran's nuclear programme, in lieu of relief sanctions. Trump exited the deal, but Biden is now looking to bring it back.
In the pre- JCPOA period, there was a carve out for our involvement in Chabahar, on account of its contribution to facilitating trade and development effort in Afghanistan, also a declared US objective.
The lessons of earlier American regime-change efforts should be obvious. The dismantling of Iran’s regime could lead to the breakdown of state authority and the rise of warlords.
Major energy infrastructure is in the crosshairs of the conflict, raising risks of the biggest shock since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Qatar’s largest LNG plant remains shut, fuelling supply fears.
Sinking of the ship has raised eyebrows in the Indian defence and security establishment. Lankan navy has recovered several bodies, believed to be of crew members.
The Pakistani political leadership is weak and devoid of any intellect. Its diplomacy is entirely India-China-US focused and suffers from a presumptive view of Afghanistan as a vassal.
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