17 May 2024 – The Iranian retaliation on Israel after the killing of top Quds Force commanders in Damascus, established a few new paradigms in response to their mutual provocations and attacks. For the first time, on April 13, Iranians launched such a massive attack from its own territory onto Israel. It’s of course a different story altogether that next to none of the missiles and drones hit their targets and caused death and destruction in Israel.
Two top Biden administration officials held indirect talks with Iranian counterparts this week in an effort to avoid escalating regional attacks, Axios reported on Friday. In fact, the efforts of US and the NATO have been directed at ensuring that the conflict remains limited to Gaza, and doesn’t spread beyond to erupt as a regional conflict.
The talks, involving President Joe Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and acting U.S. envoy to Iran Abram Paley, marked the first round of discussions between the U.S. and Iran since January, according to Axios.
Notwithstanding the fact of discussions with the Iranians, shipping in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea has been affected. Cases of ships coming under attack by drones and missiles are common occurrences. The Houthis have also taken advantage of the situation and attacked commercial ships.
The talks between the Americans and Iranians will definitely assist in keeping the lid on the issue and stop it from boiling over to engulf the region.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
Team Bharatshakti
