"Trump's announcement of ceasefire is welcome only if it holds in practice": Ex-diplomat Goel
New Delhi, March 25
Former Diplomat Suresh Goel said the decision by US President Donald Trump of a five-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure is a welcome move only if it holds in practice.
Goel, while talking to ANI, said that the move is a ruse by Trump to bring down crude prices.
"As far as the 5-day ceasefire is concerned, that's a welcome move only if it holds in practice. Even if US President Trump has told the Department of War not to undertake any such attacks, Iran has denied any conversation or discussions with the USA. In fact, Iran has said that this could have been a ruse by US President Trump to bring the crude prices down. Nobody speaks the truth in a war. Therefore, till we have a confirmed outcome, we will have to take everything with a pinch of salt. I do hope that these 5 days can lead to a more durable political solution," he said.
US President Donald Trump said that the US has won the war, adding that Iran's navy and air force have been completely decimated.
Speaking at the Swearing-In Ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Trump said, "We're in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal and who wouldn't if you were there? Look, their navy's gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone."
On how hopeful he is that the peace negotiations with Iran will work out, Trump said, "I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this... We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it. For instance, if I wanna take down that power plant, they can't do a thing about it... They are totally defeated... Militarily, they are dead."
Trump pointed out that Iran will not have any nuclear weapons.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is all about oil prices. The moment crude goes up, our petrol and diesel prices shoot up here. Any move that brings stability to global oil markets is good for the common Indian's pocket. Hope it holds 🤞
Trump saying "We have won the war" and Iran is "totally defeated" sounds like he's trying to save face for the upcoming elections. The ground reality is always more complex. India should maintain its strategic autonomy and not get drawn into this.
While I appreciate the diplomatic perspective, I respectfully disagree with the former diplomat's cynicism. A ceasefire, even a temporary one, is a step towards de-escalation. We must encourage these gestures, not just dismiss them as a "ruse."
The Chabahar port is key for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Any prolonged conflict in the region jeopardizes that project. Our government must quietly push all parties towards a permanent solution. Jai Hind!
The language used - "decimated," "dead," "won" - is not the language of diplomacy. It's the language of a reality TV show. This approach rarely leads to sustainable peace. The international community needs to play a bigger role.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.