After a weekend of retaliatory strikes, the United States has issued a warning to Iran and the militias it supports. The US has stated that it will conduct more attacks if American forces in the Middle East continue to be targeted. However, the US has made it clear that it does not want an “open-ended military campaign” across the region.
Prepared for Anything
Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, stated that the US is prepared to deal with any group or country that tries to attack them. Sullivan also warned Iran that if they choose to respond directly against the US, they should expect a swift and forceful response. These warnings were delivered during a series of interviews with TV news shows after the US and Britain struck 36 Houthi targets in Yemen.
Continued Strikes
In addition to the strikes in Yemen, American forces carried out air strikes against five missiles on Sunday. These strikes targeted missiles designed for land attack and targeting ships. The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that these strikes were in response to an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.
Ongoing Threats
Sullivan acknowledged that there is a possibility of future attacks from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, as well as from the Houthis. He stated that the US cannot rule out these threats and has instructed commanders to be prepared to respond to further attacks. However, Sullivan made it clear that President Biden is not looking for a wider war and does not want an open-ended military campaign.
Sending a Clear Message
While pledging to respond in a sustained way to new assaults on Americans, Sullivan emphasized that this does not mean an open-ended military campaign. The US intends to take additional strikes and actions to send a clear message that they will respond when their forces are attacked or their people are killed. Some of these steps may be seen, while others may not be visible to the public.
Targeting Militias and Facilities
The recent US attack on sites in Iraq and Syria targeted Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The strikes hit more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites, and other facilities connected to the militias. However, the Biden administration has not directly targeted Iran or senior leaders of the Quds Force within its borders.
Iran’s Warning
Meanwhile, Iran has warned the US over potentially targeting two cargo ships suspected of serving as forward operating bases for Iranian commandos. These ships have been loitering in the Red Sea off Yemen for years and are suspected of being spy positions for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Iran has described these vessels as “floating armories” aiding their mission to counteract piracy in the region. However, Iran is not publicly known to have taken part in recent campaigns against Somali piracy.
Growing Unease
Iran’s warning to the US signals Tehran’s growing unease over the US strikes across the region. The US Navy’s Mideast-based 5th Fleet declined to comment on the threat made by Iran. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to take actions and issue warnings.
In conclusion, the United States has issued a warning to Iran and its supported militias, stating that it will conduct more attacks if American forces in the Middle East continue to be targeted. While the US is prepared to deal with any threats, it does not want an open-ended military campaign. The recent strikes targeted militias and facilities, but the US has not directly targeted Iran or its senior leaders. The situation remains volatile as Iran warns the US about potentially targeting its cargo ships.