Highlights The motive behind the attack on Iran is not America’s love for Israel, but rather an enemy that this powerful nation fears; the real target of the war in the Middle East is China. Trump wants to destroy those military and industrial centers that China built as its ‘forward bases’ by investing billions of dollars, intended to blockade America in the future over issues like Taiwan. Since 90% of Iran’s oil goes to China, an attack on Iran is directly akin to cutting Beijing’s ‘energy lifeline.’ Trump’s strategy is not limited to the Middle East but is spread across several countries.
The fierce war between Iran and America has been ongoing for 12 days. There is chaos regarding oil and gas, but confusion remains regarding the endgame of this war. Trump himself is unable to clarify exactly why America is fighting this. Many defense experts claim that Israel dragged America into this war, but there are also discussions that this war is not for Israel or Iran, but to weaken the enemy that America fears. This enemy is none other than China. Read further to know how Trump, from the beginning of his term, has been preparing the ground to break China’s “Chakravyuh” (strategic trap).
Enmity Between America and China
It is important to understand that at this time, not one, but two different chessboards are laid out in the Middle East. The first board is regional, where Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are fighting for their existence. Here, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis are the pawns. Israel has been playing on this board for decades. However, the second board is much larger and more dangerous—it is the board between America and China.
In recent years, Iran made a major strategic mistake. Surrounded by American sanctions, Iran mortgaged its entire economy to China. Today, 90% of Iran’s crude oil goes to China. In return, China made Iran its ‘forward base.’ China provided Iran with dangerous missiles and software capable of sinking American aircraft carriers in an instant.
Why Does Trump Fear Xi Jinping ?
China’s biggest weakness is that if the US Navy closes the sea route (Strait of Malacca) in the event of a war, China’s economy will come to a standstill. To avoid this, China prepared a ‘backup’ through Iran. Iran’s cheap oil was filling China’s ‘strategic reserves,’ which could keep China alive for 100 days during any blockade.
China was preparing to make Iran’s Jask port its permanent naval base. This means China was sitting directly at the mouth of the route through which 20% of the world’s oil passes. For America, Iran was no longer just Israel’s problem; it had become a thorn in the way of America’s entry into any potential war against China in the Pacific Ocean (Taiwan).
Target Locations in Iran are Proof
President Trump’s intention for ‘regime change’ in Iran is not like George Bush’s. Although he has spoken of regime change, he has no alternative in place, which clearly shows Trump has no interest in establishing democracy in Iran. He wants Iran to move out of China’s influence.
On February 28, when American and Israeli planes bombed military targets in Tehran, their targets were not just missile launchers, but also the ports and industrial centers that China had built over years of hard work and billions of dollars. Most interestingly, while bombs were falling on Iran, its friends China and Russia did not fire a single shot. Russia’s radar systems went ‘dark’ and China only issued formal statements.
America’s Plotting Against China
Not just in Iran, America is making moves to weaken China across the globe.
The Venezuela Incident: Like Iran, Venezuela has been a major energy hub for China. American special forces intervened in Venezuela and detained Nicolás Maduro. This had a direct impact on China, which was the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil. China had given billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, to be repaid with oil. This move by America cut China’s ‘energy lifeline’ and put its billions of dollars in investment at risk.
Reciprocal Tariffs: Trump has adopted a ‘Reciprocal Tariff’ policy to break China’s economic backbone. A heavy import duty of up to 60% has been imposed on goods coming from China so that American companies pull their business out of China. America is now ending its dependence on China for rare earth metals used in making missiles and chips.
Latin America and the Panama Canal: The Trump administration has launched a campaign to completely oust China from its ‘neighborhood.’ Recently, under pressure from Trump, the Panama government took back control of two major ports that were being operated by a Hong Kong company. Countries like Chile and Peru have been warned of sanctions for building ‘fiber optic cables’ and ‘mega ports’ with China.
America Goes to the Extent of Oil Chaos
America is currently playing moves on a ‘large chessboard.’ By destroying Iran’s nuclear sites and missile factories, America is actually pulling down the ‘wall’ that China had built in the Middle East. However, the risks involved are huge—oil prices are above $100 and an ‘actuarial warfare’ (insurance crisis) has halted global trade. But America’s message is clear: it can go to any extent to save its global hegemony.
