Renowned journalist and geopolitical expert Fareed Zakaria told India Today TV that the Middle East is currently in a phase of significant threats, raising the potentiality of a full-scale regional conflict if a direct war erupts between Israel and Iran. In his conversation with India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakaria noted a shift in focus away from the war in Gaza, following the Jewish nation's decisive actions against Iran-supported terrorist organizations in the region.
Zakaria stated, "Israel is attempting to end the continuous rocket firing (by Iranian proxy groups) in Northern Israel. Therefore, they are stepping back and beginning to question if they should withdraw against Iran itself. This is why I assert that we are at a moment of maximum danger because there is a genuine possibility of escalating direct tensions between Israel and Iran."
Reflecting on last week’s ballistic missile attack on Israel by Iran, Zakaria acknowledged that while Iran might not be a supremely powerful nation, it is not a militia like Hezbollah either. It is a robust country with a population of 80 million and ranks among the world’s largest petroleum exporters. Discussing the US's role in the conflict, as Israel's staunchest ally in the region, Zakaria mentioned Washington's attempts to persuade Israel to strike Iran, yet advised on avoiding highly militant approaches.
He clarified further, "This means refraining from attacking (Iran's) nuclear sites and oil refineries."
Zakaria described Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as one of the smartest players globally and suggested that they might leverage the upcoming US presidential elections over the next 30 days to operate with greater freedom in the region.
When asked if an intensifying conflict that escalates into war between Israel and Iran would lead to direct US involvement, Zakaria predicted, "My guess is the US will attempt to remain out of direct intervention but will furnish Israel with defensive technology and assistance. Should Iranian rockets rain down on Israeli cities, the US will strive to intercept them. However, I doubt the US will engage directly."
