Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has asserted that describing the ongoing US-Iran negotiations as peace talks is a misnomer, emphasizing that any genuine peace process must encompass the entire region, including Syria, Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon. He noted that such talks have failed for 75 years and are unlikely to yield results in just 75 days.
Peace Talks or Disengagement?
In an interview with ANI, Akbar stated, "The first, I think, misunderstanding and even misnomer is to describe them as peace talks. Peace talks will have to deal with that whole region... It's a huge enterprise which will take a generation. These peace talks have not succeeded over the last 75 years. They're highly unlikely to be solved over the next 75 days." He argued that the discussions are essentially about the US disengaging from the war initiated by President Donald Trump against Iran, focusing on how both nations can step back from direct confrontation.
US Arsenal Exhausted, Vulnerability Exposed
Akbar highlighted a critical development that has largely gone unnoticed: the United States has admitted that its missile arsenal is exhausted, placing it in a position of vulnerability rarely experienced before. He attributed this to a mismatch between inventory and reality, stemming from an underestimation of the enemy. "Once again, because inventory and reality, there was a huge mismatch. And why was there a mismatch? Because you underestimated the enemy," he said.
Trump as a Realist
Despite Trump's bluster, Akbar credited him as a realist who understands there is a price for disengagement. While Trump is not committing American money, Iran will need compensation in some form. "These talks are about the methodologies as well as the hard realities of cash and the hard realities of compensation that are involved... in creating a new strategic map of the region," Akbar explained.
India's Role in the Region
Akbar noted that Iran has always considered India a key player that should be at the high table of engagement. "Iran has always considered that India should be at the high table of engagement. It is up to India, of course, to determine the level of its engagement because... India has become a decisive power in Asia. And in this region, without India's involvement in the solution, India is not part of the problem, but India has to be part of the solution," he said.
Iran's View of Pakistan vs. India
Drawing a contrast, Akbar said Iran sees Pakistan as a good neighbour but largely as a proxy of the US, whereas India is viewed as an independent power. "If India disagrees with us, then it is because India's national interest makes India disagree with us. But if Pakistan disagrees with us, then it is under instructions of America," he quoted Iranian officials.
Trump's Frustration with Europe
Akbar also addressed Trump's growing impatience with European allies, particularly their refusal to support the war on Iran. He noted that Trump has been walking away from NATO due to Europe's unwillingness to pay for its own defence. "He is tired of the European on America's back and Europe picking and the America picking up all the expense," Akbar said. After Europe's refusal to support the Iran war, the pace of withdrawal from NATO has increased, though a complete exit is unlikely as it is not in America's interest.
