In a series of escalating attacks, American military bases in the Middle East have been targeted by Iranian proxies, with the number of attacks reaching 106 since October. The recent incidents include the shooting down of anti-ship ballistic missiles by the US Navy in the Red Sea, marking the first time the Navy has done so in a battle. As Iran's influence grows, questions arise about whether Iran fears the United States and the effectiveness of current deterrence strategies.
Experts believe that Iran, as well as their proxy forces in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen, do not currently fear the US. They view America as a declining force in the region and have confidence that the US will avoid using military force. The response ratio of under 10 to over 100 attacks in Iraq and Syria alone further underscores this perception.
Critics argue that the US needs to reassess its current deterrence strategies and take more decisive action. This would involve actively targeting installations housing dangerous weapons, responding directly to attacks on US and coalition forces, and intensifying sanctions and designations against the leaders and organizations involved. Additionally, there are calls to enhance the US presence in Yemen to counter the aggressive actions of the Houthi rebels who have targeted international maritime security in the Red Sea.
One point of contention is the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization. When President Biden assumed office, he undesignated them, sparking debate on the right policy approach. The Houthis align themselves with the Iranian government, the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism. They have been implicated in using child soldiers, besieging civilian cities, attacking civilian populations, intercepting traffic in the Red Sea, and targeting religious minorities. Critics argue that these actions meet the criteria for terrorism and warrant a redesignation.
Concerns about Iran's nuclear program have also emerged. Reports suggest that Iran is intensifying its nuclear activities, with an increase in its stockpile and the pace of enrichment. These developments have raised alarm among international observers, who underline the need to address both the terror threat and the nuclear program concurrently.
Experts emphasize that while focusing on rolling back terror networks and enforcing sanctions against Iran, equal attention must be given to curbing their nuclear ambitions. It remains crucial to address the growing regional threat posed by Iran and its proxies to ensure stability and security in the Middle East.
