Former Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, has suggested a strong response to the recent attack on a reserve unit, urging strikes on Iranian personnel and facilities. In an interview, Esper highlighted the need to both appropriately respond to the tragedy and deter future aggression from Iran. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in imposing sanctions on Iran, citing their disruptive activities in the region, including their involvement in conflicts such as the Israel-Gaza situation and the disruption of commercial trade in the Red Sea by the Houthis.
When asked about the difficult decision of whether to strike Iranian proxies outside of Iran or on Iranian soil, Esper outlined the combination of scientific analysis and subjective judgement that is used in such calculations. The science involves assessing the potential impact and consequences of various targets, while the art lies in understanding the potential reactions and responses of the Iranian government. Esper explained that it is important to start with lesser escalations and gradually increase pressure until a point is reached that encourages the desired behavior change. He also noted that given the deeply ingrained nature of Iran's actions, a comprehensive approach may be necessary to effectively address the problem.
Esper expressed concerns about the mix-up that led to the failure of air defenses during the recent attack, as both a hostile drone and an American drone were in the vicinity at the same time. He stressed the importance of thoroughly investigating the incident, particularly due to the loss of American lives and the significant number of soldiers injured.
Regarding former President Trump's claim that such attacks would not have occurred under his administration, Esper provided a nuanced perspective. He commended Trump's decision to strike General Soleimani in Iraq, which was based on intelligence regarding planned attacks on U.S. interests. However, Esper also noted instances where Trump hesitated to take action, such as the shooting down of an Iranian drone and other pending actions, highlighting the unpredictability of Trump's behavior depending on the circumstances and the influence of decision-makers around him.
Esper's remarks come as the United States grapples with how to respond to the recent attacks and prevent further aggression from Iran. His emphasis on a comprehensive approach and international cooperation reflects the complexity of the situation and the need for careful consideration in formulating a response strategy.
