New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Reflecting on the persistent conflict in West Asia, India's former Ambassador to Qatar, K.P. Fabian, expressed on Saturday that the Iranians are “strategically maneuvering like chess players” and criticized US President Donald Trump for appearing to inhabit a “realm of fantasy”.

In an interview with IANS, the former diplomat pointed out that despite Trump's assertions, the Strait of Hormuz is not entirely obstructed, clarifying that it is “not blocked one hundred percent.”

“Iran is indicating that vessels from allied nations can transit (but not those) linked to the United States, Israel, or their partners,” he noted.

Highlighting the phrase “and their partners,” he elaborated, “This is implied rather than explicitly stated. However, it is clear that this refers to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The attacks on Iran are initiated from bases that the United States operates in the GCC.”

Fabian found it noteworthy that a French-operated vessel recently traversed the Strait of Hormuz, recalling that French President Emmanuel Macron publicly advised Trump that diplomatic resolution is preferable over military action.

“The Iranians are definitely engaging in a clever strategic game,” he remarked.

Furthermore, the former Ambassador pointed out that Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines crossing the Strait of Hormuz does not bear significant weight for the global energy supply, as there are around 200 ships queued in the area. “Iran is allowing select vessels from ‘friendly nations’ to pass through as a diplomatic gesture towards Japan,” he explained.

Recently, during a meeting with Trump at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reminded of the Pearl Harbor incident, followed by Trump encouraging her to “step up”.

According to Fabian, Trump is suggesting that the Japanese Navy should take directives from the United States.

“Trump's proposal for NATO nations to assist America lacks coherence. It implies that countries like Germany, Italy, and Britain would need to send their naval forces to follow commands from an American Admiral, which is impractical,” he stated.

Addressing Trump's social media assertion regarding the Strait of Hormuz, where he claimed, “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A ‘GUSHER’ FOR THE WORLD???”, Fabian remarked that Trump's notion of seizing control of the Strait and profiting from oil is unrealistic. “He is indeed living in a fantasy,” he concluded.

“There is a noticeable inconsistency in Trump's statements. Each day, there seems to be a divergence between what he proclaims today and what he asserts tomorrow,” he added.

He emphasized that the tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States are not diminishing. “Not in any way,” he affirmed.