Bengaluru, June 18 (UNI) Amid heightened tensions in West Asia, defence expert G J Singh has warned that the unfolding Iran-Israel confrontation could draw the United States and NATO into a broader military conflict, even as he underscored India's firm rejection of external mediation on regional disputes, including those involving Pakistan.
Speaking to UNI in an interview, Singh said, "Mossad and the CIA both know exactly where Ayatollah Khamenei is hiding. Yet, he remains untouched. This restraint, I believe, is a deliberate strategy of the United States, which does not want to trigger a massive civil unrest inside Iran by eliminating the top religious leadership."
Drawing parallels with the 1992 Gulf War, he explained that the US had refrained from eliminating Saddam Hussein despite clear military advantage. "President George H W Bush understood that Saddam, though a dictator, was not a religious extremist. Replacing him with a radical cleric could have destabilised Iraq further. A similar calculation is now shaping American hesitation in Iran."
He warned that the current escalation may not remain contained. "Given the rising stakes, the US could soon be pulled directly into the conflict, and NATO may also follow with coordinated military action," Singh said, highlighting the possibility of a wider regional war.
Turning to South Asia, the defence expert also addressed speculation around India's policy following reports of a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump.
Referring to Trump’s repeated claims that he played a mediatory role between India and Pakistan, Singh clarified, "It has been India’s unwavering policy that we do not accept mediation from any third party. This matter is strictly bilateral."
He added, "Our Prime Minister has clearly said that if there is any dialogue with Pakistan, it will only be on the issue of terrorism. We have repeatedly told the world that talks and terror cannot go together. As we say — blood and water cannot flow together."
According to Singh, PM Modi "firmly and politely rejected" President Trump’s assertions about mediating or facilitating any trade deal.
"He conveyed India's position in a clean, foresighted, and straightforward manner, making it clear that we do not need or seek mediation. This should be seen as a significant diplomatic win for India."
As global flashpoints intensify, Singh stressed the importance of strategic clarity and sovereign assertion.
"India has maintained its consistency, whether in standing against terrorism or upholding its foreign policy principles. Meanwhile, the West faces difficult choices in a rapidly polarising West Asian theatre," he observed.
PM Modi, during a recent phone call with former US President Donald Trump, made it clear that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May was achieved through direct communication between their respective military channels — without any third-party involvement.
Modi firmly reiterated India's long-standing policy that bilateral matters, especially with Pakistan, do not require foreign mediation. This response came in reaction to Trump’s earlier claims that he had played a role in brokering the ceasefire.
Modi underscored that India views terrorism not as a proxy war anymore, but as a full-scale conflict that requires consistent and firm responses.
During the 35-minute conversation, the two leaders also discussed broader regional and global security issues. Modi updated Trump on the ongoing counter-terror operations under "Operation Sindoor" and extended an invitation to him for the upcoming Quad summit in India, which Trump accepted.
However, Modi politely declined Trump’s suggestion to stop over in the US on his return from the G7 summit due to prior commitments.
The exchange reaffirmed India’s diplomatic firmness on national sovereignty while maintaining strategic dialogue with global partners like the United States.
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