The United States has conducted strikes against the Houthi rebels for the twelfth time, raising questions about the nature and duration of these operations. According to signals from the White House and the Pentagon, it appears that this is not a one-off event but rather part of a sustained operation against the proxy groups. However, the open-ended nature of this campaign and its potential duration remain uncertain.
While the focus has been on the Houthi situation, concerns are growing over the possibility of a larger conflict with Iran. Recent actions by Iran, such as launching attacks into Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan, indicate a more proactive and assertive stance. There are genuine fears that Iran will respond if its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is targeted. The statement that the drone used in the recent attack was an Iranian-made drone provided to the militias further raises the possibility of targeting Iranian assets directly.
However, it is crucial for the US administration to obtain congressional approval before expanding operations to Iran. While the president has the authority to target the individuals responsible for attacks on American troops, launching an attack on Iranian assets could potentially escalate into a full-blown war. The resource emphasizes the need for the administration to seek authorization from Congress before taking such drastic measures. Going to war without proper authorization could have severe consequences for the United States.
As for whether the US and Iran are already engaged in a war, it is important to note that there have been no direct clashes between American troops and Iranian fighters. However, the US government holds Iran broadly complicit for supporting its proxies in the region. More worryingly, Iran seems to be becoming increasingly involved in the conflict, potentially heightening the chances of a more direct confrontation. The capacity of Iran to retaliate is not in doubt, as it has demonstrated precision and accuracy in its actions when it deems necessary.
Given these points, it is clear that the situation between the US, its proxies, and Iran is delicate and could easily escalate into a wider conflict. As such, careful consideration and diplomatic efforts need to be made to prevent an uncontrollable and devastating war. It is imperative for the US administration to involve Congress in the decision-making process and carefully assess the potential consequences before taking any further action. The region remains on edge, with all eyes on the unfolding events.
