New Delhi, March 29 (ANI) — Former diplomat K.P. Fabian warned Sunday that there is no obvious end to the current Middle East conflict and said U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are the principal actors who must step back to pause the fighting.
Fabian told ANI the United States has sent mixed messages about its objectives: at times suggesting goals have been achieved, while economic indicators such as rising fuel prices tell a different story. He described the situation as “this dance of death and destruction,” and said there are no clear signals that hostilities will stop. He added that because “Iran was attacked, and it was responding,” a genuine ceasefire would require both America and Israel to halt strikes.
He criticized Trump’s public rhetoric, saying the president has portrayed victories in absolute terms — even claiming opponents are “all dead” and touting so-called decapitation strikes — while the political consequences at home are growing. Fabian pointed to recent “No Kings” protests in the U.S., higher petrol prices (about $1 more at the pump), the risk of further price spikes if the Houthis disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, Houthi rocket strikes, and weakened stock markets as signs that Trump’s domestic standing may be eroding.
Fabian argued that mediation is the only realistic route to ending the war, but said Iran has rejected negotiated offers, including a U.S. 15-point proposal. He noted complicating economic and strategic ties in the region — for example, Qatar’s role in producing helium used by private companies — that make simple solutions difficult.
According to Fabian, Trump faces two broad choices: try to negotiate a settlement with Iran, which Fabian called unlikely given Iran’s posture and the U.S. demands, or proclaim some form of victory and move on to other priorities. In that scenario, Fabian suggested Netanyahu would probably have little option but to acquiesce.
Fabian also said Iran might insist on a comprehensive ceasefire that would require both the U.S. and Israel to stop operations, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon and actions targeting the Houthis. To limit the growing political costs described above, he urged that Washington act quickly, even if that runs counter to Netanyahu’s preferences.
Large crowds across the United States reportedly joined “No Kings” demonstrations Saturday to protest Trump’s policies, rising living costs, and the war with Iran, CNN has reported.
(Reported by ANI; this story is from a syndicated feed and published as received.)
