Mumbai

Former Union Minister M J Akbar has said that Iran’s nuclear programme lies at the heart of the ongoing conflict between United States and Iran, asserting that any ceasefire that ignores the issue would lack credibility.

Speaking to ANI, Akbar described the conflict as perplexing, noting that negotiations between the two sides had reportedly reached an advanced stage just before the outbreak of hostilities. “If there is no agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, then any ceasefire is a hoax,” he said, adding that the war appeared to be “an exercise in political hysteria” for reasons not fully understood.

Commenting on Israel’s role, Akbar said the country ultimately has limited strategic flexibility and must align with the United States. He claimed that the conflict had taken a toll on Israel’s military capabilities and infrastructure, while suggesting that domestic scrutiny within Israel could intensify in the aftermath of the war.

Akbar also pointed to Pakistan’s role as an intermediary during the crisis, describing it as an effective “postman” facilitating indirect communication between Iran and Israel. He said Pakistan’s longstanding military ties with the United States made it a trusted channel for conveying messages during sensitive negotiations.

Highlighting Iran’s institutional resilience, Akbar noted that the country’s governance systems and bureaucratic structure enabled it to respond effectively during what he described as an “existential crisis.” He added that Iran demonstrated its capacity to manage both military and diplomatic challenges under pressure.

His remarks come after former US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military operations, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire proposal. Iran, in turn, accepted the arrangement, including provisions for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and a pause in hostilities.

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The developments mark a tentative de-escalation in a conflict that has raised global concerns over energy security and regional stability, even as underlying tensions remain unresolved.