New Delhi: Amid reports of reducing tension between Iran and America, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif openly praised Donald Trump. Shahbaz said that Trump is trying to improve the situation in West Asia and make the Strait of Hormuz safe again. This statement has come at a time when Trump himself is claiming daily that talks with Iran are going in the right direction.
Is Pakistan making itself a middle man?
It seems like only Shahbaz said that he had talked to Trump on phone. Both of them discussed the situation in the entire area. Islamabad wants to show that it is not just a spectator but can help in reducing tension. Experts believe that Pakistan wants to increase its importance at the international level. Iran is its neighbor and if relations with America are to be improved, then coming in between can be a profitable deal.
Why so much focus on the Strait of Hormuz?
Because this is where the game of the world runs. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through Hormuz. Iran has threatened to shut it down several times. If this route is stopped, oil prices will skyrocket. Trump has said that if the deal is done, this route will open again without any hindrance. For this reason, everyone’s eyes from the stock market to the common man are fixed on it.
Is America going to give relief to Iran?
This is the inside news. Media reports are saying that America may relax some restrictions. Like permission to sell some oil to Iran or open some trade. In return, America wants Iran to give guarantees on its nuclear program and stop missile-drone attacks. But neither Washington nor Tehran has confirmed any deal yet. Everything is on the negotiating table.
How true are Trump’s claims?
This is where the problem lies. Trump says every day that “a deal is very close”. But experts have doubts. There are 40 years of distrust between America and Iran. Nuclear deal, Israel, Houthi rebels, all the issues are still pending. That’s why big countries are taking steps cautiously. One wrong statement can spoil everything.
Is the map of West Asia changing?
The wind is changeable. America, Iran, Saudi, Israel are all making their own moves. Now Pakistan has also jumped into the fray. If things really get resolved then not only will oil become cheaper, but the politics of the entire region will change. This is also a big matter for countries like India because a lot of our oil comes from here.
