According to the report, the US military command has launched large-scale air strikes on seven military bases in the Middle East, dropping more than 125 precision munitions. The targets of the strikes were distributed in the territory of Iraq and Syria, mainly "targets of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and pro-Iranian militias." The U.S. military claimed that the airstrike destroyed a large number of military facilities, including missiles, rockets, and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as ammunition depots and command and intelligence centers. The U.S. airstrike was in retaliation for the attack on the U.S. military base at Tower 22, which resulted in dozens of U.S. troops. Despite the intensity of the airstrikes, the US military avoided direct strikes on Iran and only targeted targets in Syria and Iraq.
Iraq expressed outrage at this, accusing the United States of violating sovereignty, supported by the Houthis. According to **, the U.S. military informed Iraq in advance of the airstrikes, which may have led to Iran being informed of the U.S. military's plan of action in advance. This scene is reminiscent of the Soleimani incident in 2020, when after the U.S. military "beheaded" Soleimani in Iraq, Iran also notified Iraq in advance before launching missile air strikes on U.S. military positions in Iraq. It is clear that both the United States and Iran want to do everything possible to avoid the outbreak of direct conflict. Although Biden stressed that he "does not want to go to war with Iran", the United States told the airstrike plan in advance and expected the airstrike to "last for several days" and also refer to the weather forecast.
The United States is well aware of the consequences of a direct attack on Iran, and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and military have taken a tough stance and warned that any threat would be reciprocated. Potential U.S.-Iran Conflict: Uncertainty and Challenges in the Middle EastIn recent years, Iran's growing presence in the region, especially its powerful missile forces, has made the U.S. military stationed in the region feel directly threatened. In addition, Iran has some allies in the Middle East, such as the Houthis and Iraqi militias, which are important partners of Iran. In the event of a real conflict, the Middle East will descend into chaos. Faced with this situation, the United States may take some steps to reduce tensions rather than escalate the situation. Iran's power should not be underestimated.
In recent years, Iran's missile technology has improved significantly, and its missile range can cover multiple countries in the Middle East. This makes various U.S. military stations in the Middle East potential targets that could be attacked by Iranian missiles if the conflict breaks out. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, for example, has a wide range of ballistic missiles, including the Shaheed-3 missile, which has a range of more than 2,000 kilometers. The missile could cover Israel, Saudi Arabia and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. In addition, Iran has a large missile force, including cruise and anti-ship missiles, which can pose a threat to the naval power of the United States. In addition to its missile forces, Iran has expanded its influence by cooperating with a number of armed groups in the Middle East.
The Houthis and Iraqi militias are important allies of Iran, and they play an important role in places like Yemen and Iraq. The Houthis have waged a long struggle against Saudi Arabia in the Yemeni civil war, while Iraqi militias play a key role in Iraqi political and military affairs. By cooperating with these armed groups, Iran has not only expanded its sphere of influence in the Middle East, but has also sent a direct warning to the United States through their attacks on the US military and its allies. However, the United States may take some steps to de-escalate the situation in the face of Iran's challenge. First, the United States is likely to strengthen cooperation with allies in the Middle East to jointly counter the Iranian threat.
For example, the United States could increase its support for countries such as Saudi Arabia and Israel by providing more military assistance and intelligence exchange to strengthen their defense capabilities. In addition, the United States can also form an alliance through cooperation with other Middle Eastern countries to jointly balance Iran's power. Second, the United States may use some diplomatic means to reduce tensions. For example, the United States can seek to resolve the differences and disputes that exist between the two sides through dialogue and negotiation with Iran. Despite the current tensions, a diplomatic solution to the problem remains a viable option. The U.S. could draw on past nuclear deal negotiations with Iran and seek a new deal to ensure that Iran does not develop a nuclear deal and limit its missile program.
Finally, the United States can also counter the Iranian threat by strengthening its military presence in the Middle East. For example, the United States could increase the number of troops stationed, strengthen the defense capabilities of military installations, and take other measures to improve its own military capabilities. This will send a clear signal to Iran that the United States will not tolerate any threat to its interests and security. To sum up, Iran's power and influence in the Middle East are growing, especially with its powerful missile forces and cooperation with some armed groups. Once the conflict breaks out, the Middle East will be plunged into chaos. However, the United States may take some steps to de-escalate the situation and not want the situation to escalate further.
Strengthening cooperation with allies, resolving differences and disputes through diplomatic means, and strengthening its own military presence in the Middle East are all possible steps for the United States. However, balancing the interests and concerns of all parties and how to avoid further escalation of the conflict remains a huge challenge. Peace and stability in the Middle East can be achieved only through the joint efforts of all parties.