WASHINGTON, DC– Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani, who attended a two-hour dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on the weekend alongside about 20 Republican donors, described the unfolding military action against Iran as a defining geopolitical moment that she believes will “change the destiny of the Middle East”.

“Yes, it is a historic time here in Mar-a-Lago. While we were here for something else, actually, war was declared. This is obviously going to change the destiny of the Middle East. This is not a small war,” Motwani said.

Motwani said the group also interacted with senior administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “The CIA had been following them (Iranian leadership) for a month,” she said, adding that “the CIA and the Mossad were already there in Iran tracking the Ayatollah.”

On the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, she said, “The mood is upbeat, but focused and very serious.” She acknowledged casualties in the early phase of operations. “We already have lost three people, and I think four have been injured,” she said, adding that “the administration understands the seriousness of this operation and the potential costs that we could incur.”

At the same time, she expressed confidence in the outcome. “The mood is serious, but it’s mission accomplished right now,” she said.

On the implications for India, Motwani said it was “not by accident” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been in Israel shortly before the strike. “My guess is that this was well orchestrated, and India and the US are in partnership to support Israel. This is how it’s going to be for the future,” she said.

India-World Relations

She added: “Prime Minister Modi, President Trump and Netanyahu are in very close connection and alignment about where they’re headed. So, it’s a good thing for India.” However, she cautioned that “the Chabahar port might be affected, and India has invested in that”.

India has invested in Iran’s Chabahar port as part of its connectivity strategy to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (IANS)

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