New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): Geopolitical risk advisor and former US Army officer Colonel Douglas Macgregor (Retd.) has questioned the credibility of Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a mediator in the ongoing West Asia crisis, citing the country’s internal challenges and lack of perceived neutrality.
In an interview with ANI, Macgregor, who previously served as an advisor to the US Secretary of Defense during the first Donald Trump administration, said Pakistan faces serious internal difficulties, including a fragile economic situation, and would not be viewed as neutral by Israel.
“For the Pakistanis to offer help is sort of like a man in a burning building offering you a spare room in the building. Pakistan is not going to be viewed in any way, shape, or form as neutral by the Israelis,” he said.
“They’re going to view Pakistan as part of the problem. Why would you go to Islamabad to try to close a deal on ending the war? That’s an impossibility. It strikes me as just ludicrous nonsense,” he added.
Macgregor described Pakistan as facing significant financial distress, stating that the country is effectively insolvent.
“Pakistan is not what I would call a civilizational state. It is part of a civilizational complex. But India itself is one of these core civilizational states, which is desperately needed in the world today,” he said.
He further noted that Israel is unlikely to trust mediation efforts led by Pakistan.
“If the Israelis heard that they were supposed to show up in Islamabad for a meeting, I think they’d laugh it off. This is ridiculous. Why should we trust anything those people say?” he said.
“That’s not true for India. India is in a very good position that way,” he added.
Macgregor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is well-positioned to play a meaningful role in facilitating dialogue, citing his global standing and diplomatic relationships.
“Prime Minister Modi enjoys a great deal of respect and confidence across the globe. He is at ease with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, comfortable speaking with leadership in Tehran, and has engaged with Israeli leaders. The United States is also comfortable with India,” he said.
He urged India to take a more active role, suggesting that Modi could engage directly with US President Donald Trump.
“I would urge Prime Minister Modi to consult his advisors and reach out to President Donald Trump. India is a large and powerful continental state, and we would be better off if it exerted greater influence in the Indian Ocean region and beyond,” he said.
The conflict in West Asia, involving Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, has now entered its fourth week, disrupting global energy supply chains.
Macgregor said the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, with limited exceptions negotiated by countries such as India, China, and Japan.
He warned that rising oil prices could trigger widespread economic consequences.
“When fuel prices rise, fertilizer costs increase, food prices go up, and animal feed becomes more expensive. All these prices rise simultaneously,” he said.
Macgregor emphasized that India cannot afford to remain a passive observer as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.
“India cannot remain a spectator. This war is not ending in two weeks or two months. There is no off-ramp right now, and we desperately need one,” he said.
He added that India’s growing economic and military strength positions it uniquely to engage multiple stakeholders, and that President Trump would likely be receptive to Modi’s outreach.
“I don’t know that any single actor can guarantee success, but I believe President Trump would listen to Prime Minister Modi. I think the Israelis would also listen,” he said.
Macgregor noted that achieving a resolution ultimately depends on the United States.
“The individual who has to deliver for the Israelis, frankly, is Donald Trump,” he said.
He acknowledged that while India cannot guarantee a breakthrough, it could play a constructive role.
“Prime Minister Modi can help. Many countries have experienced imperialism and colonialism, and India’s perspective is valuable. I am hopeful that India could assist, though there are no guarantees of success,” he said.
Macgregor also referred to ceasefire conditions outlined by both the United States and Iran, noting ongoing disagreements.
When asked about potential US negotiators, including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Vice President JD Vance, he expressed skepticism.
“Kushner and Witkoff are viewed as strongly aligned with Israeli interests,” he said.
On Vance, he remarked, “He is the vice president. Vice presidents typically play a limited role unless called upon.”
He questioned how the United States would navigate the current situation, particularly if military escalation continues.
“There is a possibility that Iran will absorb damage while inflicting even greater losses. With access to Chinese and Russian satellite intelligence, Iran can rapidly coordinate missile strikes over long distances,” he said.
He warned that continued escalation could weaken future negotiation prospects.
“If we proceed and suffer losses, it will become much harder to negotiate an agreement afterward,” he added.
Iran has previously rejected a US proposal to end the conflict, insisting that any cessation of hostilities would occur only on its own terms and timeline, according to a senior political-security official cited by Press TV.
The official stated that Iran would continue its defensive operations and deliver “heavy blows” until its conditions are met.
Israeli media earlier reported that the Trump administration has outlined 15 conditions for Iran to end the conflict. According to Channel 12, Washington has kept Jerusalem informed of its negotiations, though concerns remain that the US may push for a broader framework agreement rather than strict adherence to those conditions.
The conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran began on February 28 and has raised global concerns over casualties and disruptions to energy supplies. (ANI)
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