Speakers at IPS seminar say Israel wants to weaken Iran, divert global attention from Gaza situation

ISLAMABAD: In the context of the Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan will

have to adopt a cautious and diplomatic strategy, keeping in mind its

historical relations and the changing alignment in the region.

The Israeli aggression against Iran is not sudden, but rather a

reflection of deep and long-standing strategic planning and

geopolitical dynamics. With American backing, Israel wants to

eliminate Iran's regional capabilities and importance, while Iran is

expressing its strategic autonomy and ideological position.

The rising tensions between Iran and Israel will not only push the

region towards further instability, but it is also an attempt to divert

global attention from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Pakistan will have to adopt a cautious and diplomatic strategy,

keeping in mind its historical relations and the changing alignment

in the region.

These views were expressed by the speakers at a discussion titled

“Israeli Aggression on Iran and Middle East Dynamics” organized by

the Institute of Policy (IPS) in Islamabad. IPS Chairman Khalid

Rehman, IPS Vice Chairman former Ambassador Abrar Hussain,

former Ambassador Nasrullah Khan, former Ambassador Rifat

Masood, former Ambassador Naila Chauhan and Brigadier (retd)

Tughral Yameen spoke in the discussion.

The discussion highlighted the historical aspects of Iran-Israel

relations. Former Ambassador Naila Chohan said that during the

reign of the Shah of Iran, the relations between the two countries

were based on cooperation, when Iran’s nuclear program was

launched with the support of the United States.

However, after the 1979 revolution and the change in ideological

trends in Iran, its opposition to the two-state solution to the

Palestinian issue and its strong stance against Israel’s expansionist

agenda made Iran a key adversary in Israel’s strategic thinking.

The speakers said that as the Abraham Accords show, Israel aims to

gain the support of all Middle Eastern states and expand its

influence in the region. Iran is a major obstacle to this agenda. With

its high literacy rate, developing scientific capabilities, and abundant

natural resources, Iran has the potential to emerge as a powerful

base in the region.

Former ambassador Rifat Masoud said that Israel's main goal is to

weaken Iran's capabilities by bringing about regime change and

halting its nuclear development. He said these efforts continue

despite Iran's non-compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Treaty (NPT). is a signatory and does not have a nuclear weapons

program. Former ambassador Nasrallah Khan said that Iran is

discriminated against in the NPT, which indicates a deep distrust of

the West.

He said that Israel’s objectives in the region are similar to those of

the United States, although the two countries have different

strategies. Nevertheless, the United States seems uncertain about its

behavior in the Middle East, while Israel faces resistance and

strategic setbacks, because both misjudged the severity of Iran’s

response.

Khalid Rahman said that the attack on Iran and the ensuing

escalation are not only a source of tension in the region, but are also

a deliberate move to divert attention from the ongoing

humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is being played up in the headlines to

divert the attention of the international media from the Israeli

aggression and the suffering of the Palestinians.

The speakers said that this war between Iran and Israel is unlikely

to last long, as Israel has suffered an unexpected setback from Iran's

reaction. Although Israel is pursuing Zionist ambitions such as

"Greater Israel", unlike Israel, Iran is strong due to its identity,

solidarity and its importance in the region, Iran has the ability and

determination to withstand pressure.

Regarding Pakistan’s response, Brigadier (retd) Tughraul Yameen

said that the Pakistani leadership has adopted a cautious approach

in this conflict. Considering Iran’s support during the 1965 war and

India’s growing ties with Israel, Pakistan will have to demonstrate

diplomatic sensitivity in any regional conflict.

Former Ambassador Abrar Hussain reinforced this idea, saying that

Pakistan is clear in its position that it supports Iran against Israel, as

it is also a strategic necessity. He stressed on working strategically

with foresight to protect national interests.–NNI