WASHINGTON - The United States is set to escalate its military actions against Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, according to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Following recent strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, Sullivan stated on Sunday that additional strikes and actions are planned to convey a clear message that the U.S. will respond to attacks on its forces and personnel.
In response to a deadly attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, the U.S. and Britain targeted 36 Houthi sites in Yemen. The ongoing conflict, which originated on October 7 when the Iran-backed group Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza, has seen involvement from various Tehran-aligned factions across the region. Diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration continue, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken departing for the region.
While Tehran-backed groups express support for the Palestinians, engaging in conflicts in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, Iran itself has avoided direct involvement. The U.S. emphasizes it does not seek war with Iran, and the recent strikes are seen as a response to specific attacks rather than an open-ended military campaign.
Sullivan, in a statement on CBS' "Face the Nation," described the recent strikes as "the beginning, not the end" of the U.S. response, hinting at additional steps, some of which may be unseen. The Pentagon clarified that the strikes in Yemen targeted Houthi weapons storage facilities and missile systems.
Iran, condemning the attacks in Yemen, called them a violation of international law, warning of threats to global peace and security. As tensions escalate, there are concerns about the impact on global trade, with major shipping lanes in the Red Sea being largely abandoned, leading to increased costs and worries about inflation.
Secretary of State Blinken's upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel aim to advance talks on the return of hostages held by Hamas and promote a U.S.-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize ties, contingent on resolving the Gaza conflict and moving towards a future Palestinian state.
Despite the U.S. strikes, analysts, including Mahjoob Zweiri from Qatar University, anticipate that Iran will maintain its current strategy, avoiding direct military confrontation beyond its borders. In Iraq, funeral processions have taken place for members of the Popular Mobilization Forces killed in the U.S. strikes, with calls from senior Iraqi politicians to oust U.S. forces.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing diplomatic efforts, military actions, and regional tensions shaping the evolving dynamics in the Middle East.