ISLAMABAD: President Donald Trump is once again evaluating “decisive”military options against Iran, days after deciding against immediatestrikes last week, according to senior US officials. This reconsiderationcomes amid reports of a brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran that hasresulted in thousands of deaths, prompting renewed pressure on Washingtonto respond forcefully. The shift highlights the volatile dynamics inUS-Iran relations, where military planning intersects with domestic unrestin Tehran and broader regional stability concerns. Officials indicate thatTrump has emphasized the need for actions capable of delivering asignificant impact on the Iranian regime.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has repeatedly used the term”decisive” in discussions with aides, pushing the White House and Pentagonto prepare a range of scenarios. These include limited strikes targetingIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities as well as more ambitiousplans potentially aimed at regime change. Although no final order has beenissued, the president’s insistence on robust alternatives suggests awillingness to escalate if provocations continue. This development followsan earlier pullback from strikes, influenced by assessments that current USforces in the region might not suffice for a large-scale operation withoutrisking significant retaliation.
In parallel with these deliberations, the United States is accelerating asubstantial military buildup in the Middle East to enhance its operationalcapabilities and deterrence posture. Recent deployments include the USSAbraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which is en route from theSouth China Sea toward the Persian Gulf, accompanied by destroyers and F-35fighter aircraft. This carrier’s arrival will significantly boost USairpower projection, enabling sustained operations if required. Themovement reflects a strategic effort to position assets closer to potentialconflict zones amid heightened tensions.
Adding to the naval surge, US F-15E fighter jets have landed in Jordan,providing additional strike and support capabilities for operations acrossthe region. These advanced aircraft, equipped for precision strikes and airsuperiority missions, strengthen Washington’s ability to respond rapidly tothreats. The deployments are part of a broader effort to ensure that anydecision on military action is backed by sufficient firepower, addressingearlier concerns that limited regional presence constrained options for amajor offensive against Iranian targets.
Crucially, the Pentagon is reinforcing defensive systems to protect USforces, bases, and allies from potential Iranian counterstrikes involvingballistic missiles or drones. Additional Patriot missile batteries andTerminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems are being deployed tokey locations in the Middle East. These advanced antimissile platforms aredesigned to intercept incoming threats at various altitudes, therebymitigating risks to American personnel and regional partners. Officialshave emphasized that such enhancements are essential for safeguardingassets during any offensive operations.
The buildup comes against the backdrop of Iran’s internal challenges, whereauthorities have intensified crackdowns on widespread protests, leading tosignificant casualties and international condemnation. Trump had previouslythreatened intervention in response to violence against demonstrators butpaused military action after indications that executions might be haltedand killings reduced. Despite this temporary de-escalation, the persistenceof regime repression has revived discussions in Washington about the needfor a stronger posture to deter further aggression or nuclear advancements.
Analysts note that while military options are under active review, theadministration is also weighing diplomatic and economic pressures asalternatives. New sanctions have been imposed on Iranian leaders involvedin the crackdown, aiming to isolate the regime financially withoutimmediate resort to force. However, the rapid deployment of offensive anddefensive assets signals preparedness for escalation, potentiallyinfluencing Tehran’s calculations on its regional behavior and proxyactivities.
Read Top Stories
The strategic calculus involves balancing the risks of a broader conflictwith the imperative to project strength. US officials have been advisedthat strikes alone may not guarantee regime collapse, necessitating carefulcalibration of objectives. The presence of an aircraft carrier, advancedfighters, and layered missile defenses collectively enhances Washington’sability to conduct operations while protecting against reprisals,underscoring a deliberate effort to restore deterrence in a tenseenvironment.
This evolving situation carries implications for global energy markets,given the Middle East’s critical role in oil supply routes through theStrait of Hormuz. Any military engagement could disrupt shipping and spikeprices, affecting economies worldwide. Moreover, allies such as Gulf stateshave expressed caution about strikes on Iran, fearing retaliatory actionsthat could destabilize the region further. The US buildup thus serves bothoffensive and defensive purposes in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Source:https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-iran-military-options-b49429c4
ogimageimage-name