Will Trump bomb Iran again?
Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has issued a fatwa (religious decree) against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them “enemies of God”. He has said, “any cooperation or support to such persons by Muslims or Islamic states will be considered as ‘haraam’ (forbidden). All Muslims across the world must make these two enemies regret their words and mistakes”.
Meanwhile, Iran has begun work at its Fordow nuclear site, which along with two other nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan were bombed by US Air Force B-2 bombers with more than a dozen bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles launched from a US submarine.
Satellite images collected by Maxar Technologies on Sunday showed ongoing activity near the ventilation shafts and holes caused by the airstrikes at Fordow uranium enrichment complex. US President Donald Trump claims the three nuclear sites have been “obliterated”, but Iran claims it had already shifted its stocks of enriched uranium to safer places before the airstrikes.
In the past, Islamic clerics had issued ‘fatwas’ against Netanyahu, but this is the first time that a ‘fatwa’ has come out against Donald Trump. The US President does not care two hoots about these ‘fatwas’. He has claimed that he saved Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from death.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Why would Khamenei say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the war with Israel, when he knows that his statement is a lie. As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. His country was decimated, his three evil nuclear sites were obliterated, and I knew exactly where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel or the US armed forces…terminate his life. I saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death, and he does not have to say, ‘thank You, President Trump’ ”.
Trump claims he is trying to lift all past sanctions against Iran, but Iran is showering abuses on him. Trump is after all Trump. He does not lose time in giving threats. Trump has said if Iran continues to collect enriched uranium, he would not hesitate to bomb its nuclear sites again.
Trump’s message is clear. He wants Iran to come to the negotiation table or face consequences. Trump is a trader and he only understands the language of trade.
Munir is back in game : Openly supports terrorists
There is another trader active and he is Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir. He only trades with terrorists and uses them for his own nefarious ends.
Munir has said, his army will continue to support terrorists in Kashmir. He quoted the Holy Quran, Islamic verses and Mujahideen. On April 15, a week before the Pahalgam massacre, he differentiated between Hindus and Muslims and expounded Jinnah’s two-nation theory. On April 22, Hindu tourists were singled out for their faith and killed by terrorists in cold blood in Pahalgam.
Now, Munir has poured venom against India again. At the passing out parade of Pakistan Naval Academy, Asim Munir said, he is following Allah’s order by supporting the jihadis in Kashmir. Munir quoted verses from Holy Quran and promised continued support to terror in Kashmir.
Those who advocate talks with Pakistan should listen to what Asim Munir said. Munir and his army can be compared to a dog’s tail, which can never straighten on its own.
A few weeks ago, Munir’s army got a sound thrashing from Indian armed forces and yet he has not stopped supporting terrorists in Kashmir. The wounds of Munir’s army have not even healed and he has already become feisty. Even the Pakistani air bases that were bombed by Indian Air Force are yet to be fully repaired, but Munir is raring to fly in the air.
Munir has not been punished yet for his crimes against humanity, and he is openly supporting terrorists. Asim Munir’s trade thrives on peddling lies.
The Field Marshal thinks his uniform will radiate shine he makes tall claims. He must remember that India has clearly said that any act of terror by Pakistan on Indian soil shall be deemed an act of war. Indian missiles can reach any corner of Pakistan.
If Pakistan carries out any fresh misadventure, no amount of nuclear blackmail will succeed this time, nor will America listen to its requests.
Gangrape : Mamata must ask her leaders to keep their mouth shut
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is embroiled in intra-quarrels over the ghastly gangrape of a law students inside the Law College premises by three persons said to be close to TMC. Her loudmouth MP Kalyan Banerjee remarked, “what police can do if a man rapes his girlfriend inside a college?”
TMC immediately disassociated from his remark and has issued him a show cause notice. Kalyan Banerjee’s bete noire, another TMC MP Mahua Moitra retweeted the show cause notice on her X handle, and soon the two started a barrage of personal attacks.
Another TMC leader Madan Mitra got a show cause notice when he remarked, “If that girl hadn’t gone, this wouldn’t have happened. If she had informed someone or taken two friends along, this could have been avoided.”
A nine-member Special Investigation Team has been set up to probe the incident. Kolkata Police has seized the cctv footage which shows the rape survivor girl students being dragged by the rapists. The medical report has confirmed injuries to her body.
Law students and lawyers staged protests in Kolkata demanding justice. A BJP factfinding team from Delhi met the college vice-principal and police commissioner on Monday. BJP leaders alleged that the gangrape victim has been kept in hiding by police. State minister Shashi Panja alleged, BJP is trying to score political gain.
Mamata Banerjee is now handing this issue carefully. Last year, when the R G Kar hospital medical student was gangraped and killed, there was a huge outcry in Bengal. Since then, she has since learnt a lesson and this time, she has swiftly taken action by arresting the three accused. She did not bother when it was found that all the three belonged to her party.
The Trinamool supremo has a problem in hand. She is facing a challenge as to how to keep her own party leaders in check, particularly the loquacious Kalyan Banerjee. When Mahua Moitra objected to his ‘misogynistic’ remark, Kalyan Banerjee immediately raised questions about her recent marriage and honeymoon.
The question is: Who is giving protection to Kalyan Banerjee? A daughter of Bengal was gangraped, it was a serious issue, there is already public outcry and Trinamool Congress leaders are busy making outrageous remarks. This will harm Mamata politically in the long run.
Was Trump-brokered Iran-Israel ceasefire planned in advance?
After 12 days of intense bombing and missile attacks, life is now returning to normal both in Tel Aviv and Tehran as the US-brokered ceasefire now appears to be holding. People in both countries have been asked to come out of the bunkers. Airspace in Middle East has now reopened with international flights resuming.
At the Nato summit in Europe, US President Donald Trump, claiming credit for the ceasefire, said, “The US hit on Iran ended the war…Iran’s nuclear programme has been put back by decades..” Asked if US would strike Iran again if it rebuilds its nuclear enrichment program, Trump replied: “Sure”.
Trump lashed out at the US media, naming CNN and New York Times, after an intelligence report prepared by the Defence Intelligence Agency got leaked, which stated the American B-2 bomber strikes did not damage the core components of Iran’s nuclear program. Trump called the CNN and NYT reports as “fake news” and claimed that the US strikes “were one of the most successful military strikes in history…The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed.”
Meanwhile, Iran has claimed that it has secretly moved most of its enriched uranium to an undisclosed location before the US B-2 bomber strikes.
Questions are being raised on whether US had advance information when Iran fired 13 missiles at the US air base in Qatar, because no major damage was reported. US air force had removed all its fighter planes from the base. Was it mere posturing? Why did Trump give six hours’ time to Iran and Israel to enforce ceasefire? Did he want to give time to both to square up?
Trump has also said that he is not interested in a “regime change in Iran” because it could create more anarchy. He said, Iranians were good businessmen, they know how to bargain and Iran has huge stocks of oil.
In the last 12 days, Trump took U-turn several times. Sometimes it appears as if US attack on Iran nuclear sites was pre-scripted. Iran’s missile attack on US air base in Qatar also appears to be somewhat scripted. Israel is happy because the US has destroyed Iran’s enriched uranium stocks. Iran is happy because it has taken revenge by attacking US air bases in Qatar and Iraq. Trump is happy because both Iran and Israel accepted his ceasefire deal.
But some scenes in this ‘happy ending’ film raise several questions. Iran knew beforehand that American would use its most powerful GBU bombs on its nuclear sites. Iran claims it shifted its enriched bomb-grade uranium elsewhere.
When Iran fired missiles at the US air base in Qatar, all except one missile were easily intercepted and neutralized. The lone remaining missile fell at a deserted spot. Neither the US, nor Qatar faced any damage. It is clear, the US knew where Iranian missiles will be fired and when. All aircraft and ammunition were removed from the US air base beforehand.
It now seems that even the ceasefire plan was prepared in advance. Were these countries engaged in a drama, for public consumption? It is difficult to say. The manner in which the 12-day missile war began and ended naturally raises questions.
Rahul Gandhi’s charges against EC are baseless
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while sharing a news report, alleged on social media that the number of voters in Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis’ Nagpur South West constituency grew by eight per cent in five months. He said, “some booths saw a 20-50 per cent surge. Booth level officers reported unknown individuals casting votes. Media uncovered thousands of voters with no verified address. And the EC? Silent- or complicit.”
Fadnavis immediately rebutted the charges with a jibe, “jhoot bole kauva kaate, kale kauve se dariyo”.
The chief minister gave statistics from other constituencies like Nagpur West, Nagpur North, Malad West and Mumbra, where voters turnout increased by over 8 per cent between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates won.
Fadnavis said, there are more than 25 constituencies where voters increased by more than 8 per cent between LS and Assembly polls, and in several of them, opposition parties’ candidates won.
Rahul Gandhi had been levelling allegations about malpractices in Maharashtra elections since his alliance lost the assembly polls nearly 18 months ago. The Election Commission has replied to his party’s allegations in detail thrice. Rahul Gandhi has now levelled fresh charges.
The fact is, there has not been a rise in number of voters in Fadnavis’ constituency alone. It rose in those constituencies too, where Congress and its allies won. Denigrating the Election Commission deliberately has become a fad for Rahul Gandhi and this is not good for our democracy.
Iran opens air space for Indians : Modi’s diplomatic win
A good news from Iran in the midst of escalation in fighting with Israel. Iran opened its airspace, in a special gesture, allowing evacuation of nearly 1,000 Indians in three special flights.
On Friday night, a flight carrying 290 Indian students, mostly from Kashmir, landed in Delhi as part of ‘Operation Sindhu’ launched by the government to evacuate Indians. This was the first of three flights. The second and third flights will arrive on Saturday and Sunday.
Most of the Kashmiri students were studying medicine in Urmia University and Tehran Medical University. The students were first taken by road to Mashhad in Iran and the flight brought them to India. Similarly, 110 students reached Armenia and from there, they returned to Delhi.
There are nearly 6,000 Indians in Iran and nearly half of them are students.
The opening of airspace by Iran for evacuation of Indians during the ongoing war is a clear proof of India’s strong diplomatic presence. Not only Iran opened its air space in the midst of a war, but it also allowed its Mahan Airlines to evacuate Indians.
This special gesture is a reply to all those naysayers in India who were claiming that Iran was unhappy because of Prime Minister Modi’s personal friendship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This gesture shows, Iran is not only a friend of India, but is also ready to take extraordinary steps to help Indians. This is a big achievement on part of Prime Minister Modi. It is the magic of our Tricolour.
You may remember, five years ago, when Indian students were trapped when war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi personally rang up both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease fighting for a ceratin period to allow Indians to evacuate.
A special corridor was set up in Ukraine, for Indians to cross over to neighbouring Poland, and from there, tthey were airlifted to India. At that time, even some Pakistani students used the Indian tricolour on their vehicles to flee Ukraine.
Iran war : Why Trump wants to tread softly?
On the eighth day of war, Israeli planes destroyed more than 35 missile launch and storage sites inside Iran. Israeli planes also bombed Iran’s nuclear program research and development installation and an industrial complex.
Iran rained more than 400 ballistic and hypersonic missiles on Israel. Many civilian localities in Tel Aviv, Haifa gas supply plant, refinery and energy infrastructure were targeted. Israel has censored reporting on damages caused by Iran’s missiles.
Israel has killed several nuclear scientists in Iran. One more scientist was killed in Tehran on Friday. Israel’s first priority is to put Iran back by several years in its development of nuclear program. Israel’s second priority is to eliminate the top line leadership of Iranian armed forces. It was twice done recently. On the other hand, while Iran’s missile attacks are broad and widespread, they lack specific targets.
In brief, the war will end only when both countries will be able to analyze their losses. Israel has the capability to defeat Iran, but it will take several years to assess the damage caused to Israel in this war.
One example will suffice. Israel is incurring expenses to the tune of nearly $725 million (Rs 6,300 crore) daily on this war. This daily expenditure is only on the ongoing war. Neither Netanyahu nor Donald Trump had any idea about war expenses that would shoot up. This could be one of the reasons why Trump is hesitating before jumping into this war.
Trump would now like to explore a solution through negotiations, because he has realized that entering this war could prove costly, if it prolongs. If Russia and China join hands, difficulties will mount. Trump does not want Iran to become stronger. As an astute businessman, he may have already counted his probable gains and losses. That is why Trump wants to tread softly.
Iran war : Munir, ISI ready to help US
Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir is waxing eloquently after his two-hour long meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House. At an interaction with people associated with Washington think tanks, Munir said, Pakistan had been on the frontline of the global war against terror.
Munir claimed that it was Pakistan which faced the biggest losses, in terms of lives and money, after it joined the global war on terror. Interestingly, the army chief invited US investors to come to Pakistan to invest in rare earth minerals.
In Pakistan, Jamiat Ulema Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman warned that Pakistan’s atomic weapons would be next on Israel’s agenda and none of the Islamic countries will come to Pakistan’s rescue, just like in Iran’s case.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir may continue to claim their country’s victory in the four-day conflict with India, but Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spilled the beans in an interview with a Pakistani news channel.
Dar disclosed, after Indian air force struck Noor Khan and Shorkot Rafiqui air bases, Saudi Arabian deputy Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan rang him up and offered to speak to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar if Pakistan wanted a ceasefire. Clearly, Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir’s claims of victory hold no water.
The surprising part is that Asim Munir, at his meeting at Pakistan embassy with US think tank intellectuals, did not reveal anything about his talks with Trump.
Munir only went on lambasting former PM Imran Khan and explained how he spoiled Pakistan’s relationship with the US. Munir then claimed how he put that relationship back on the rails in his two-hour meeting with Trump.
The army chief even described his lunch with Trump as an unprecedented one-on-one meeting, but the fact is, while his national security adviser and ISI chief Asim Malik was present, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy on Middle East Steve Witcoff were also present at the talks.
It was Witkoff who did much of the talking on Iran-Israel war. He was giving instructions to Asim Munir on how Pakistan could help in helping the US. Munir tamely listened to his instructions.
Whenever Donald Trump will decide on joining the war against Iran, he is surely going to find Asim Munir, his army and ISI ready. This was the sole purpose of the luncheon meet with Asim Munir, which Trump easily achieved.
Israel has the upper hand : Will Iran surrender?
US President Donald Trump has decided to set a two-week window for talks, while putting a pause to his plans to attack Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read out a message from Trump which said, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks”.
As the Iran-Israel conflict enters the second week, Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have spoken on phone several times since last week. Reports say, Araghchi has told the US envoy that Iran would return to the negotiations on nukes only if Israel stops attacks which it started on June 13. Meanwhile Britain, France, Germany and European Union are set to hold nuclear talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Geneva on Friday.
A day earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on telephone and appealed to both sides to de-escalate soon. Both Xi and Putin gave clear indications that they would not like the US to join the Iran-Israel war. Trump said, Putin should first iron out his Ukraine issue first and then think about Iran and Israel.
Iran rained multiple warhead missiles on Tel Aviv, Haifa and other cities on Thursday causing widespread damage, while Israeli warplanes attacked Iran’s missile launch sites and the Iranian nuclear reactor in Arak. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, the world will now see how Israel will respond and the war will continue till Khamenei’s end. Tehran now looks like a ghost city with most of its nearly 1 crore population migrating to other cities like Qom and Isfahan.
Iran may have rained missiles on Israel and carried out widespread damage, but experts say that this will not make any big difference. Iran may remain contented by saying that its missiles are raining fire on Tel Aviv and many of its missiles evaded the Iron Dome defence system. On the other hand, Israeli strikes on Iran are precise and controlled. Israel is bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, one by one. The latest attack on Thursday was on Arak nuclear facility which houses Iran’s heavy water nuclear reactor.
Israel has killed the entire top military leadership of Iran twice and the miliary command is now in the hands of a third-line leadership. Iran’s stock of ballistic missiles is slowly depleting. On one hand, Iran is not getting support from major powers, while the US stands firmly behind Israel, both in attack and defence.
Whatever the Iranian leaders may say for public consumption, they want that this war to end soon, but not at the cost of their nation’s self-pride. Iran is ready for talks with the European countries, and this is a big indication.
On the other hand, Israel is not showing much interest in the Geneva talks between Iran and the EU. Presently, Israel rules the sky over Iran and it can attack wherever it wants. Israel’s first objective is to finish off Iran’s nuclear bomb making capability, and its second objective is to bring about change of regime in Iran. That is why, Israel is now on the hunt of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Experts say, finishing off Khamenei will not solve the issue, because his son may succeed him. If anything happens to Ali Khamenei, Israel’s purpose of change of regime may not be fulfilled. Israel is only waiting for the US to enter the war.
Will Trump exploit Munir to use Pak airspace to fight Iran ?
US President Donald Trump has revealed why he invited Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to luncheon. Since Pakistan has a nearly 1,000 km border with Iran, the US army may like to use Pakistani air bases for its logistic ends. The info that Pakistan has about Iran’s security and its leadership may probe to be helpful to the US. This was the reason why Asim Munir was invited to the White House for lunch by Trump.
Asim Munir had an unprecedented one-on-one meeting with Trump, which went on for more than two hours. The meeting, originally scheduled for one hour, was first held in the Cabinet Room over lunch and then continued in the Oval Office.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top US envoy for Middle East Steve Witkoff were present at the meeting, while Munir was accompanied by his national security adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, who also heads the ISI intelligence agency.
I have already said yesterday that Donald Trump is a ‘pucca’ businessman and he is using Pakistan to achieve his own ends. When Trump told reporters after the lunch that nobody understands Iran better than Asim Munir, the picture is now almost clear. Asim Munir is also not against Israel and he can come in handy in the Iran-Israel conflict.
Since Iran is Pakistan’s neighbour, leaders in Pakistan are demanding that Pakistan should help Iran in its war, but during his luncheon talks with Trump, Asim Munir avoided taking a clear stand. At least Trump’s words after the lunch show that Munir knows Iran better and he is not happy with the manner the war was progressing.
Field Marshal Munir is heaping praise on Trump and recommending his name for Nobel Peace Prize. The world knows that Trump loves sycophancy. Trump, in return, described Munir as a powerful personality and a smart leader.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has said that Trump wants to use Pakistan in his military operation against Iran. Trump knows that Asim Munir wields real power in Pakistan, and this was the reason why he was invited.
Owaisi exposes Munir in ‘Aap Ki Adalat’
All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who was part of the all-party delegation that went to Islamic countries to present India’s stand, was my guest in Aap Ki Adalat show, which will be telecast on India TV this Saturday.
I asked Owaisi about why Trump invited Munir to lunch. Owaisi, an experienced barrister and able parliamentarian, replied: “Asim Munir must tell the people of Pakistan what deal he has struck with Trump. When Trump invited Munir to lunch, he must have requested him to do something on that (Iran-Pak) border for us. He will be forced to dance, and they (US) will make him dance (to their tunes). Nobody gets a free lunch in the White House…It is a known fact that American has access to most of the bases in Pakistan, unlike India, where we do not allow other countries to have access to our bases.”
When I asked about Trump claiming repeatedly that it was he who brokered the India-Pakistan ceasefire by offering trade deals, Owaisi replied: “First of all, I do not think Trump has much knowledge. India has a strategic relationship with the US and Trump ‘bake jaa rahe hain, bake ja rahe hain’(blabbering on and on), our Prime Minister spoke to him for half an hour, our Foreign Secretary issued his video. Yet, again Trump claimed, he stopped our war by offering trade deals. Pakistan’s trade with the US is hardly $4 billion, whereas India’s trade with the US is to the tune of $180 billion. If India agrees to a bilateral trade treaty with the US, the target if $500 billion. Do they (US) want $5 billion or $500 billion trade. I think, since there is a crypto connection with Pakistan, that is why he (Trump) is blabbering. As far as cessation of firing is concerned, my complaint is that, it should have been announced by our Prime Minister or our government, instead of the world knowing about this from Trump. It is our government, our country, and we are getting to know about this from the leader of another country. If Trump claims, he stopped our war, then why is he not stopping the Israeli attacks on Palestine, if he has the power then let him end the Iran-Israel war and Russia-Ukraine war?”
Owaisi made several other revelations about Asim Munir and about how his all-party delegation exposed Pakistan during their visit to Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain and Kuwait. ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will be telecast on Saturday (June 21) at 10 pm on India TV.US President Donald Trump has decided to set a two-week window for talks, while putting a pause to his plans to attack Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read out a message from Trump which said, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks”.
As the Iran-Israel conflict enters the second week, Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have spoken on phone several times since last week. Reports say, Araghchi has told the US envoy that Iran would return to the negotiations on nukes only if Israel stops attacks which it started on June 13. Meanwhile Britain, France, Germany and European Union are set to hold nuclear talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Geneva on Friday.
A day earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on telephone and appealed to both sides to de-escalate soon. Both Xi and Putin gave clear indications that they would not like the US to join the Iran-Israel war. Trump said, Putin should first iron out his Ukraine issue first and then think about Iran and Israel.
Iran rained multiple warhead missiles on Tel Aviv, Haifa and other cities on Thursday causing widespread damage, while Israeli warplanes attacked Iran’s missile launch sites and the Iranian nuclear reactor in Arak. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, the world will now see how Israel will respond and the war will continue till Khamenei’s end. Tehran now looks like a ghost city with most of its nearly 1 crore population migrating to other cities like Qom and Isfahan.
Iran may have rained missiles on Israel and carried out widespread damage, but experts say that this will not make any big difference. Iran may remain contented by saying that its missiles are raining fire on Tel Aviv and many of its missiles evaded the Iron Dome defence system. On the other hand, Israeli strikes on Iran are precise and controlled. Israel is bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, one by one. The latest attack on Thursday was on Arak nuclear facility which houses Iran’s heavy water nuclear reactor.
Israel has killed the entire top military leadership of Iran twice and the miliary command is now in the hands of a third-line leadership. Iran’s stock of ballistic missiles is slowly depleting. On one hand, Iran is not getting support from major powers, while the US stands firmly behind Israel, both in attack and defence.
Whatever the Iranian leaders may say for public consumption, they want that this war to end soon, but not at the cost of their nation’s self-pride. Iran is ready for talks with the European countries, and this is a big indication.
On the other hand, Israel is not showing much interest in the Geneva talks between Iran and the EU. Presently, Israel rules the sky over Iran and it can attack wherever it wants. Israel’s first objective is to finish off Iran’s nuclear bomb making capability, and its second objective is to bring about change of regime in Iran. That is why, Israel is now on the hunt of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Experts say, finishing off Khamenei will not solve the issue, because his son may succeed him. If anything happens to Ali Khamenei, Israel’s purpose of change of regime may not be fulfilled. Israel is only waiting for the US to enter the war.
Will Trump exploit Munir to use Pak airspace to fight Iran ?
US President Donald Trump has revealed why he invited Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to luncheon. Since Pakistan has a nearly 1,000 km border with Iran, the US army may like to use Pakistani air bases for its logistic ends. The info that Pakistan has about Iran’s security and its leadership may probe to be helpful to the US. This was the reason why Asim Munir was invited to the White House for lunch by Trump.
Asim Munir had an unprecedented one-on-one meeting with Trump, which went on for more than two hours. The meeting, originally scheduled for one hour, was first held in the Cabinet Room over lunch and then continued in the Oval Office.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top US envoy for Middle East Steve Witkoff were present at the meeting, while Munir was accompanied by his national security adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, who also heads the ISI intelligence agency.
I have already said yesterday that Donald Trump is a ‘pucca’ businessman and he is using Pakistan to achieve his own ends. When Trump told reporters after the lunch that nobody understands Iran better than Asim Munir, the picture is now almost clear. Asim Munir is also not against Israel and he can come in handy in the Iran-Israel conflict.
Since Iran is Pakistan’s neighbour, leaders in Pakistan are demanding that Pakistan should help Iran in its war, but during his luncheon talks with Trump, Asim Munir avoided taking a clear stand. At least Trump’s words after the lunch show that Munir knows Iran better and he is not happy with the manner the war was progressing.
Field Marshal Munir is heaping praise on Trump and recommending his name for Nobel Peace Prize. The world knows that Trump loves sycophancy. Trump, in return, described Munir as a powerful personality and a smart leader.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has said that Trump wants to use Pakistan in his military operation against Iran. Trump knows that Asim Munir wields real power in Pakistan, and this was the reason why he was invited.
Owaisi exposes Munir in ‘Aap Ki Adalat’
All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who was part of the all-party delegation that went to Islamic countries to present India’s stand, was my guest in Aap Ki Adalat show, which will be telecast on India TV this Saturday.
I asked Owaisi about why Trump invited Munir to lunch. Owaisi, an experienced barrister and able parliamentarian, replied: “Asim Munir must tell the people of Pakistan what deal he has struck with Trump. When Trump invited Munir to lunch, he must have requested him to do something on that (Iran-Pak) border for us. He will be forced to dance, and they (US) will make him dance (to their tunes). Nobody gets a free lunch in the White House…It is a known fact that American has access to most of the bases in Pakistan, unlike India, where we do not allow other countries to have access to our bases.”
When I asked about Trump claiming repeatedly that it was he who brokered the India-Pakistan ceasefire by offering trade deals, Owaisi replied: “First of all, I do not think Trump has much knowledge. India has a strategic relationship with the US and Trump ‘bake jaa rahe hain, bake ja rahe hain’(blabbering on and on), our Prime Minister spoke to him for half an hour, our Foreign Secretary issued his video. Yet, again Trump claimed, he stopped our war by offering trade deals. Pakistan’s trade with the US is hardly $4 billion, whereas India’s trade with the US is to the tune of $180 billion. If India agrees to a bilateral trade treaty with the US, the target if $500 billion. Do they (US) want $5 billion or $500 billion trade. I think, since there is a crypto connection with Pakistan, that is why he (Trump) is blabbering. As far as cessation of firing is concerned, my complaint is that, it should have been announced by our Prime Minister or our government, instead of the world knowing about this from Trump. It is our government, our country, and we are getting to know about this from the leader of another country. If Trump claims, he stopped our war, then why is he not stopping the Israeli attacks on Palestine, if he has the power then let him end the Iran-Israel war and Russia-Ukraine war?”
Owaisi made several other revelations about Asim Munir and about how his all-party delegation exposed Pakistan during their visit to Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain and Kuwait. ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will be telecast on Saturday (June 21) at 10 pm on India TV.
Can Trump dethrone Khamenei ?
On the sixth day of Iran-Israel conflict, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a warning at dawn on social media, addressed to Israel, saying: “The battle begins. ..We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” A few hours earlier, US President Donald Trump called Ayatollah Khamenei “an easy target”.
On Truth Social account, Trump wrote, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” In a follow-up post, Trump write in all caps: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”.
Trump has suddenly taken up a hawkish posture and there are reports that the Pentagon is planning to attack Iran. Trump, while abruptly leaving the G7 summit, had said, “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate with Iran…I want an end, a real end, not a ceasefire.”
The reason: US and Israel fear that Iran is on the verge of making an atom bomb and both the allies are not going to allow this to happen, at any cost. If Iran refused to sign a deal to end its nuclear programme, which Trump describes as ‘unconditional surrender’, and stop firing ballistic missiles at Israel, the US army will launch an all-out attack on Iran.
Two US aircraft carriers are already present in the Gulf. A third aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is on its way to Middle East from the Pacific. Israel has said, it has three objectives: One, to destroy Iran’s nuclear capability, Two, to damage Iran’s ballistic missile power and, Three, bringing a change of regime in Iran. Until these three objectives are not reached, Israel is unwilling to stop the conflict.
If America joins the war, there will be destruction on a large scale. Trump is busy attending meetings in the Situation Room in White House to chalk our plans for a major military operation.
There is possibility of America dropping a deep bunker buster bomb on Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant in Fordow. This is considered Iran’s safest nuclear installation built beneath a hill, nearly 80 to 100 meter deep inside earth. The only weapon that can bust this underground installation is GBU-57 bunker busting bomb, which only the US has. It is a 13,608 kg precision-guided bunker buster bomb developed for the US Air Force. GBU stands for Guided Bomb Unit. Only the Northrop B-2 Spirit, a heavy strategic bomber known as Stealth Bomber, can carry this precision-guided bomb.
The US has already deployed 26 warships in the Middle East, and with three aircraft carriers, the stage is being sent for a major attack on Iran. Normally, during any conflict in the Middle East, Israel used to have an upper hand. Israel never allowed its enemies to cause any major damage because of its famed Iron Dome. Bu this time, Iran has sent a huge number of drones and missiles to attack Israel. While Israel claims it neutralized nearly 91 per cent of the missiles, the remaining have caused huge damage in residential areas.
All eyes are now on what big step Donald Trump is going to make in this war of nerves with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump has to decide whether to end the conflict by brokering a ceasefire, or join it.
Trump wants to give one last chance to the Ayatollah, but time is fast running out. Trump wants to defang Iran’s nuclear capability. As US President, he is the commander-in-chief of US Armed Forces, but he does not have an experienced team to guide him. Personally, Trump is a good administrator and handle any situation, but to launch a war against Iran will be a big decision.
Till now, Trump’s policy during his two terms as President had been to avoid getting embroiled in direct conflicts. If Trump wants, he can force Israel to call a ceasefire, but the abruptness with which Trump cut short his G7 stay in Canada, gives some other indications. He is not going to give Iran another chance.
This was clear when he publicly snubbed French President Macron who had been saying that Trump is working on a ceasefire. Trump has made full preparations, and Israel is keenly awaiting Trump’s final decision.
With lies exposed, Asim Munir now faces protest in US
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump over lunch later today in Washington. Munir is on a five-day US visit. Experts say, Munir will be discussing not only India-Pakistan related issues but also matters relating to crypto, critical minerals and counter-terrorism.
A group of overseas Pakistanis staged a protest against Munir at a hotel in Washington DC. They shouted slogans describing him as a mass murderer of Pakistanis (Pakistaniyon Ke Qatil). Videos of the protest were shared on social media by Tehreek-e-Insaaf supporters, who wrote, “Asim Munir, your time is up. Pakistan will rise”.
Leader of Opposition in National Assembly and PTI leader Barrister Gauhar Khan said, “Our army chief is being insulted in the US, and on the other hand, Pakistani members of Parliament are making fun of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Our MPs are comparing Pakistan’s financial situation with Uttar Pradesh. At least Shehbaz Sharif should try to bring the country at par with the economy of Uttar Pradesh”.
General Asim Munir, after facing big reverses during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict, claimed victory, attended celebrations and forced the government to confer the Field Marshal rank on him. Later, Munir’s men spread a baseless news that he had been invited to attend the 250th anniversary US army parade by Trump.
The fact is, he was not. When the parade was on, Munir was sitting inside his hotel room. The world has come to know that Gen Munir was trying to hide the damages caused to his air bases by India during the conflict. Most of the air bases are yet to be repaired fully. Munir’s lie that Pakistan has shot down six Indian jet fighter planes was also exposed. 0International experts have rubbished each of the claims made by the Pakistan army. There is widespread anger against Gen Munir, and what is happening in Washington with Munir is only a reflection of this.