Relevance: GS II (International Relations) | Source: The Indian Express

1. The Big News: War Clouds in the Middle East

Recently, the US President announced that he is seriously considering a “military strike” against Iran. He has given Iran a strict deadline to agree to a new nuclear deal.

• The Military Buildup: To show its power, the US has sent massive aircraft carriers (like the USS Gerald R. Ford) and advanced fighter jets to the waters near Iran.
• The Goal: The US wants to completely stop Iran’s nuclear program. US officials have even discussed “regime change” (forcefully removing the current Iranian government from power).

2. Why is there so much tension?

• Nuclear Fears: The US and Israel strongly believe that Iran is secretly trying to build an atomic bomb. However, Iran claims its nuclear factories are only for peaceful electricity generation.
• Economic Pain: The US has placed very strict economic punishments (called sanctions) on Iran. This has severely damaged Iran’s economy and caused massive public protests inside the country.

3. Iran’s Response: Talk and Prepare

• Offering Peace: Iran’s Foreign Minister has said they are preparing a new proposal to solve the issue through peaceful talks and avoid a destructive war.
• Preparing for Defense: At the exact same time, Iran is speeding up its missile program to defend itself if the US or Israel attacks.

4. Why India Should Worry

If a war starts in the Middle East, it will directly affect India:

• Costly Petrol: India buys a huge amount of its crude oil from the Middle East. A war will disrupt this supply, making petrol, diesel, and everyday goods very expensive in India.
• Chabahar Port Risk: India has invested a lot of money in Iran’s Chabahar port to trade with Central Asia. A war could completely pause or destroy this important project.
• Safety of Indians: Millions of Indian citizens live and work in the Middle East. Their physical safety and safe return home would become a massive challenge for the Indian government.

UPSC Value Box

Key Concept	Simple Explanation for UPSC
Strait of Hormuz	A very narrow, highly important sea route between Iran and Oman. Almost 20% of the world’s oil passes through here. If Iran blocks it during a war, global oil prices will skyrocket.
Regime Change	A political and military strategy where one country tries to forcefully replace the top leadership of another country.
Chabahar Port	A major seaport in southeastern Iran. India is developing it so Indian goods can easily reach Afghanistan and Central Asia without crossing through Pakistan.

With reference to the geopolitics of the Middle East, consider the following statements:

1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
2. The Chabahar Port is located in Iran and provides India with a direct trade route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.
3. Iran shares a direct land border with the Mediterranean Sea to its west.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (a)