Axar.az presents an interview given to Globalinfo by Paul Goble, former adviser on nationalities issues in the Soviet Union for the United States, and an expert on ethnic and religious affairs in Eurasia.

Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that U.S. forces are moving toward Iran, Goble said he doubts that Washington will launch a large-scale attack on Iran in the near future. However, he did not rule out the possibility of limited military operations.

Assessing the outlook of the war in Ukraine, Goble said Russia hopes to see a passive Ukraine, but will not achieve that goal. According to him, Ukrainians will resist anything their government is forced to agree to, and this will not bring victory to the Kremlin dictator.

Speaking about whether the Peace Council can ensure peace in Gaza, Goble said it cannot, as it lacks the authority or power needed to bring both sides to an agreement.

Addressing the Greenland crisis, Goble said he believes the United States will significantly expand its military presence there and search for rare earth minerals. He added that the U.S. Congress has warned Trump that any attempt to use military force to seize Greenland would mark the end of his presidency.