Declaring Golan Heights as Israeli territory Trump wants to neutralize Iranian influence

The statement of the U.S. President Donald Trump over possibility of recognition of Golan Heights by the USA as part of Israel will escalate the situation in the region more, expert in Arab affairs Sargis Grigoryan told Aysor.am.

“Of course for quite a long time Israeli troops are standing there but any additional provocation and creation of additional obstacles may result in serious consequences,” he said, adding that though Syria always states about readiness to return Golan Heights, it would not be right to predict any clashes now.

Grigoryan also said that though Syria states so, it has no opportunity to return Golan Heights.

The expert said the Golan Heights topic may result in worsening of relations between Israel and other Muslim countries.

As to why the U.S. president makes such disputable statement understanding the possible negative consequences, the expert said that by making such statement Trump first of all sends message to Iran.

“Sharp and serious actions against Iran are peculiar to Trump’s administration. This is another step to loosen the country’s influence in the region,” he said.

Iran’s and Hezbollah’s influence in the Syrian sector near Golan Heights is rather serious. The recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli territory is aimed at justifying the Israeli air strikes and other military actions in Syria.

“Recognizing Golan Heights as Israeli territory Trump tries to neutralize the Iranian influence in the nearby territories,” Grigoryan said.

The expert also said that U.S. may probably try to use Israel as a tool to raise the U.S. influence in the region. He said the U.S. initiative to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is in the same logic.

Grigoryan also said besides being important geopolitical union, Golan Heights are also serious economic resource especially due to its volume of drinking water.