A complete end to the Middle East conflict is not yet on the table: Vasiliy Ostanin-Golovnya

Vasiliy Ostanin-Golovnya, Middle East expert, has commented to Alpha News on the situation in the Middle East and the latest escalation between the United States and Iran.

“The situation involving Iran is the next stage of the broader Middle East conflict. The current escalation began when an American helicopter was shot down. Naturally, the United States was compelled to strike back. However, the negotiation process is continuing nonetheless, even if not in the public domain. Despite Pakistan remaining the principal mediator, Qatar appears to be doing most of the technical legwork, a country that has learned to balance even between the warring parties of the region. And overall, of course, talk of a peace agreement or a complete end to the conflict is not on the table. However, we are likely close to signing some kind of framework agreement, which will most probably concern the stabilization of the Persian Gulf zone,” Ostanin said.

In the expert’s view, the underlying contradictions in the region have not been resolved, which could give the parties grounds to resume hostilities.

“First and foremost, we are talking about the firm positions held by each side, Israel included. For Iran, it is critically important that hostilities be halted not only in the Gulf zone, but also in Lebanon, where, according to Israel’s official statements, the military operation is being conducted exclusively against the forces of the Shiite movement Hezbollah. In reality, however, it is largely the civilian population of Lebanon that is suffering, southern Lebanon in particular. Residential areas are simply being destroyed, and civilian infrastructure has already been almost entirely wiped out. This, of course, is inflaming the situation. And even if the United States and Iran sign some kind of framework agreement on the Gulf zone, the overall situation will remain extremely tense, and a resumption of hostilities will only be a matter of time. But of course, one wants to hope for the better though hopes are not accurate forecasts,” Ostanin concluded.