US Seeks ‘Total Destruction’ of Iran, Not Just Oil or Nuclear Issues: Expert Waiel Awwad

This comes as crude oil prices surge to USD 117 per barrel and West Asia faces heightened military tensions.

Speaking to ANI, Awwad highlighted conflicting US rhetoric, from threats to dialogue, suggesting a strategy to reshape the Middle East alongside Israel. He stated, “The United States objective is no more the oil, is no more the nuclear issues… It’s a regime change, is the total destruction of Iran, disintegration of Iran, which makes Israel as a dominant force in the region.” He added that domestic political pressures in the US also influence this stance, especially during midterm elections.

Awwad described Iran’s response as an “existential war,” with Tehran prepared to defend itself and cause significant harm if attacked. He expressed skepticism about US diplomatic sincerity, noting Washington’s non-committal response to Iranian proposals after the UN General Assembly. The rising oil prices, highest since April, are a major concern for India’s energy security and inflation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India, including the Reliance refinery in Jamnagar, signals US efforts to bring Venezuelan oil into the global market to stabilize supplies. Awwad called Jamnagar a strategic asset for India, capable of balancing the international market. However, he cautioned that escalating conflicts in maritime choke points like the Strait of Hormuz indicate a broader geopolitical struggle for market dominance.

Amid these developments, Iran’s IRGC asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned against US military vessels entering the Persian Gulf. Major General Ali Abdollahi stated, “We will under no circumstances and at no time allow US military vessels to enter the Persian Gulf,” challenging US claims of weakened Iranian military capabilities. These events highlight the ongoing struggle for power and influence in a volatile region.