Tehran should shed its war-like mentality

How do you counter Iran that has bullied its way into Lebanon through Hezbollah as its proxy? Would economic sanctions work against the regime that’s bent on stirring trouble in the region? It’s about time Tehran’s revolutionary zeal is put to rest. Gulf nations, for their part, have decided to take the fight to the trouble-maker-in-chief’s camp that has not played by the rules in the Middle East. Their strategy could involve three steps: 1) a diplomatic offensive that could go all the way to the UN, which is seriously being considered by the GCC; 2) impose sanctions on Tehran for its war-like activities (it could come at a later stage); 3) develop cohesive defensive and offensive military capabilities and also covert teams against Iran machinations; 4) improve intelligence gathering against the regime and crackdown on its proxies like the Houthis and Hezbollah across the world. Iran’s terror tentacles have spread even to countries in Latin America like Venezuela and Colombia. It is believed Hezbollah has links to drug cartels. Funds for terror come from illegal drug sales and it’s important that the sources of these funds are squeezed through cooperation with governments and international organisations like the UN.

Action against Iran cannot wait particularly after the Houthi rebels fired a rocket supplied by Iran at Saudi Arabia recently. Gulf countries should counter Tehran by widening the ambit of their operations. The epicentre of Iran’s plots may be in the Middle East, but it influence is being felt in Asia and Latin America where it is galvanising sectarian groups, military support and funds. Meanwhile, Iran’s missile programme has continued unchecked, though its nuclear posturing has been put on the backburner. What Iran is seeking is military parity with Gulf countries and a seat at the high table by force. Hezbollah and the Houthis must first disarm for any meaningful dialogue to begin with Tehran. There is no honour in supporting terror groups. Iran should realise the folly of its actions before it’s too late. It will get the respect it deserves, if it sheds its war-like mentality.