The strategic objectives of both the US and Iran are apparent in the very differing agendas that each party wants for the talks. The US-led West and Israel seek a total capitulation of Iran; primarily a complete, irreversible annihilation of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes (amongst other demands). Iran, on the other hand, looks to retain these programmes and get rid of all economic, diplomatic, technological, and military sanctions. Furthermore, the US-Israel Combine intends to bludgeon Iran into submission, while the latter has threatened a regional war. Both antagonists have taken up maximal positions, endeavouring to bridge the chasm, if at all, at a minimal cost to their vital national interests.

The US must pay heed to this declared Iranian intent. In case of war, Iran’s strategic options are manifold and could portend serious geopolitical and geostrategic ramifications. It is quite obvious that Iran does not have the strategic reach to attack or hit the continental USA. Therefore, it is bound to target US interests in the region, especially the state of Israel, its nuclear-missile programme, and US military bases in the region. These will include the Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, the US Army base in Kuwait, as well as US bases in the KSA and UAE. US naval assets in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, too, could be targeted. In addition, the global oil industry and trade could be hit very hard. Oil fields, pipelines, ports, terminals, etc., on the Arabian........

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