NEW DELHI: Weighing in on the ongoing West Asia conflict, India's former Ambassador to Qatar K.P. Fabian on Saturday remarked that the Iranians "are playing a smart chess game" and termed US President Donald Trump's statements as showing that he is "living in a fantasy land".
Speaking to IANS, the former diplomat stated that contrary to what President Trump says, the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked, "meaning it's not blocked hundred percent".
"What Iran is saying is that ships linked to friendly countries can go (but not the) ships which are linked to the United States, Israel, and their allies."
Emphasising on the words "and their allies", he said: "These words are not spelled out. But I suppose we understand. What they mean is the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Because it is from the bases which the United States has in the GCC that they are attacking Iran."