Azadi Tower, Tehran City

By Feridoun Fathi

An India analyst of the international affairs believes that lifting of the Western sanctions on Iran will pave the way for the Islamic Republic to become the most dominant power in the Middle East.

In an exclusive interview, the editor of the diplomatic desk of the Sahara Media Group Arti Bali said, “Under the long severe economic sanctions, Iran performed well in managing its affairs and lifting of the sanctions will pave the way for Iran to emerge as the most dominant political and military power in the Middle East.”

Arti Bali, Editor, Diplomatic Desk, Sahara Media Group

Terming Iran as the most stable country in the Middle East, she said, “At the present, Iran is the most stable country in the Middle East and the West, particularly the US, has realized that ensuring security and stability in the region without Iran’s active role is impossible.”

“Lifting of the sanctions on Iran is, in fact, part of the West’s efforts to secure Iran’s help in establishing peace and stability in the Middle East.” The seasoned analyst of the world affairs added.

“Most of the countries in the Middle East from Saudi Arabia and Yemen to Syria, Iraq and even Turkey are facing uncertainty and Iran is the only stable country which can play a constructive role in securing security in the region.” Arti Bali said.

“And this forced the US and other Western nations to lift the sanctions on Iran just to improve their ties with Tehran.” She added.

Terming the lifting of the sanctions on Iran as good news for India, she said, “The Western sanctions on Iran had prevented New Delhi from doing full flagged business with Tehran. Now that the sanctions have been lifted, the economic and political cooperation between Iran and India will pick up very fast.”

Terming Iran’s cooperation in Afghanistan as crucial for India, Arti Bali said, “The relations and cooperation between Iran and India go far beyond the economic and trade considerations as Iran is the most trusted and most important ally of India to safeguard its interests in Afghanistan as Iran enjoys a considerable amount of the cultural, political and economic influence in Afghanistan.”