‘Trump should call PM Modi’: Retired US army officer on how to come out of Iran war

As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate in the ongoing West Asia conflict, a retired US Army colonel has made a striking suggestion that President Donald Trump reaches out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India as part of efforts to ease the crisis.

The recommendation comes amid growing concerns about the economic and global fallout of prolonged US involvement in the Israel‑Iran war.

In a widely shared interview with American commentary host Tucker Carlson, the retired colonel—identified as Douglas Macgregor—argued that the
US risks severe financial consequences if it remains deeply entangled in the conflict. He described the current situation as one the United States “can’t afford” and said finding a mediator could be key to ending hostilities.

Col. Douglas Macgregor tells TUCKER CARLSON Donald Trump needs to call Narendra Modi to stop the war.

“My personal preference, if I were advising the President
(Trump), is to call Prime Minister Modi in India. He has good relations with Israel. He also has good relations with… pic.twitter.com/KIY3X4xmUb

— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) March 12, 2026

Macgregor pointed to India’s diplomatic stature and Modi’s global influence as assets that could help bridge divides between opposing parties. “I think he’s somebody that could bring together some kind of negotiation,” he said.

The suggestion reflects wider debate in Washington and beyond about how best to manage the spiralling conflict. Some analysts have expressed concern about the broader regional implications of the US military’s deepening engagement and its impact on
oil markets, economic stability and geopolitical alliances. Meanwhile, India under PM Modi has sought to maintain a balanced diplomatic approach, advocating for peace and de‑escalation while keeping lines of communication open with all parties.

Follow our live coverage on the US-Iran-Israel war here.

Trump’s relationship with Modi has historically been described as cordial, with both leaders emphasising strategic cooperation on various fronts. Whether this personal rapport could be leveraged in the context of the Iran crisis—as suggested by the retired colonel—remains to be seen. For now, voices calling for diplomatic solutions continue to call attention to alternatives to prolonged military confrontation.