The Gulf region is once again on edge. As the United States increases its military presence in West Asia and Iran warns it is ready to respond to any attack, the world is watching closely. Warships are moving into position, fighter jets are being deployed, and diplomats are busy holding talks. The big question is when: Is the US showing military strength to push Iran towards talks, or is the region slowly moving towards a conflict?

The tension has been rising for weeks. US President Donald Trump recently warned that “time is running out” for Iran to agree to a nuclear deal. At the same time, he spoke about a “massive armada” of American naval forces heading towards the region. Media reported that satellite images and defence tracking reports show that the US has increased its air and naval presence in the Gulf, including fighter jets in Jordan and surveillance aircraft near Iranian airspace. The entry of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier into the West Asia sea, along with its carrier strike group that includes Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking distant targets goes on to explain the obvious.

Iran has reacted strongly. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the country’s nuclear programme is peaceful and that Iran will give a “strong and immediate” response to any aggression. While some messages are being exchanged through mediators, Iran has made it clear that it will not negotiate under threats. Iran has also deployed a drone-carrier ship near its southern coast and added hundreds of strategic drones to its defence system, showing it is prepared to deter any attack.

What makes this situation different from the past is the active diplomacy by many countries from West Asia that want to avoid a war. Nations in the region understand that even a small mistake can lead to a bigger crisis.

India, too, is watching the situation carefully. New Delhi’s........

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