New Delhi, March 30 — Middle East analyst Waiel Awwad told ANI that the West Asia war is serving the interests of powerful states, accusing US President Donald Trump of prolonging the fighting to satisfy wealthy associates and to advance Israel’s objectives.
Awwad argued that international conflicts tend to enrich already-rich countries while worsening conditions for poorer ones, and pointed to US domestic protests over Trump’s crisis management. He said Trump is trying to ‘please the billionaire club that he surrounded himself with,’ noting what he described as increases in the president’s assets and a pattern of following Israel’s lead.
Challenging assertions of US military dominance, Awwad referenced Tehran reports claiming US Marines and commandos attempted a ground landing on Kharg Island, Iran’s strategic oil hub, and were captured. He warned the situation could escalate, particularly as Easter approaches, and raised the possibility of a ‘dirty bomb’ or a ‘false flag’ attack intended to create chaos in South Asia.
Awwad criticized the contrast between public rhetoric and military action, saying the president often posts aggressive tweets or gives press briefings and then the US sends more troops to the region. He cited the Kharg Island reports as evidence that a quick resolution is unlikely.
Highlighting Iran’s long-term preparations and resilience since the Islamic Revolution, Awwad claimed Tehran has spent decades developing covert operations and countermeasures. He alleged that over the past 20 years more than 19,500 Iranian scientists, officials and politicians were assassinated in operations he attributed to Mossad and the CIA. He also said Iran has employed advanced tools, including artificial intelligence, and has identified a large bank of potential targets — claiming nearly 9,000 strikes out of some 15,000 targets listed.
On regional politics, Awwad said the US sought to mobilize Gulf states against Iran, but Gulf leaders are increasingly questioning the value of an extended American military presence. He argued Gulf countries feel economically strained and exposed, suggesting they are effectively defending US bases rather than having those bases protect Gulf interests. According to Awwad, Gulf states now favor the withdrawal of US troops and the creation of a regional security arrangement that would include Iran.
President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, had said Gulf countries were ‘fighting back’ and ‘100% on our side.’ Awwad disputed that assessment, saying Gulf dynamics are shifting as those states feel burdened by the US footprint and reluctant to be drawn deeper into conflict.
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