I read with interest the article “Blind to the big picture” by Linda Heard (March 10). I think the United States is playing some kind of a game and deliberately trying to boost Iran’s influence in the region. Washington’s eerie silence over Tehran’s role in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria and its unexplainable willingness to reach a deal with it over its nuclear ambitions is a bit confusing.

The United States could have put its “preemptive strike” into action to curb any possibility of Iran acquiring nukes. The manner in which the US is dealing with Iran clearly indicates that it’s part of Washington’s long-term strategy, aims of which are not very clear yet. One thing is for sure that at this critical juncture, the Gulf and Arab countries should revisit their policies toward the US. It is time they forged strategic alliances with China and Russia.

The US created a mess in Iraq by acting on its “reliable intelligence” about weapons of mass destruction. I don’t advocate a similar action against Iran but striking its nuclear facilities will not be a big deal. I guess the US has some other plans for Iran.