Concerns have been high for weeks about Iran maintaining tensions, especially around the anniversary of January 3 since the US assassination of Iran’s chief general in Iraq.
US President Joe Biden’s policy on Iran is becoming more complicated by the day.
With provocative action by Iran and less systematic actions by the outgoing Trump administration, Biden is facing an increasingly uncertain situation with Iran.
Recent developments:
Dangerous increase in tension?
Concerns have been high for weeks about Iran maintaining tensions, especially around the anniversary of January 3 since the US assassination of Iran’s chief general in Iraq.
U.S. officials have been vigilant for possible revenge from Iran.
Does it appear to be a military act?
Part of the concern is that one wrong move – or deliberate incitement – is capable of inciting war.
There is no indication that the U.S. is planning an attack on Iran, although President Donald Trump has said he would respond to any attack by Tehran or its affiliated militias in Iraq that resulted in American death. . It is the situation that worries U.S. military officials who have planned an Iranian attack, either inside Iraq or elsewhere in the Gulf region, that would provoke Trump to retaliate.
Why would the USS Nimitz be ordered home, then sent back?
The infamous Nimitz flip-flop by the acting secretary of defense, Christopher Miller, seemed to thwart US Central Command’s attempts to convince Iran that it would not pay to attack him. US forces.
Putting the Nimitz carrier home on board was on board for weeks, as it had been delayed long and was expected to return by the end of 2020. On December 31, Miller announced that he ordered them to return home. Three days later, he said he would stay.
The cancellation of the home order for the Nimitz surprised some defense officers.
What is the point of B-52 bombers in the Gulf?
These long bombing trips have become more common in the last few weeks as a demonstration of military power. Three B-52 bombing missions have been in the area in less than two months, most recently on December 30th.
The flights from the US should show how quickly bombers can get to the area. They can be equipped with standard or nuclear missiles. Maritime General Frank McKenzie, the U.S. chief executive for the Middle East, made the clear message this week.
“We will not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or take decisive action in response to any attack.”
What does all this mean for Biden’s policy in Iran?
Biden’s transition team has declined to comment in detail on the latest developments.
However, Biden and his main supporters of national security have explained their approach to Iran in broad strokes. At the top of that list Iran regains compliance with the nuclear treaty and then extends that agreement to include non-nuclear conduct that was not covered by the original agreement.
Iran, however, has said it will not return to compliance unless the U.S. returns to the treaty and removes sanctions imposed by Trump over the past two years.