The recent drone strike that killed three U.S. service members has led to the targeting of locations linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard throughout the Middle East by the United States. Iran has denied any knowledge or involvement in the attack. While some have criticized the U.S. response as a mere 'firework show,' others argue that it is playing into Iran's hands.
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, has long employed a proxy strategy, using proxies to launch attacks against the United States and its allies. This approach has resulted in the death and injury of numerous Americans. However, the U.S. retaliation has primarily targeted these proxies rather than directly hitting Iranian assets. Critics argue that unless the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian regime face severe consequences, they will continue to pose a threat to American lives.
Iran's overarching goals in these actions are to drive the United States out of the Middle East, destroy the state of Israel, and spread the Islamic Revolution regionally and globally. Initial assessments suggest that the October 7th attacks were intended to advance the objective of destroying Israel. Israel has responded forcefully to these attacks, employing a strategy of hitting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard commanders directly and swiftly, without warning or telegraphing their actions.
In contrast, the Biden administration has been accused of telegraphing its punches and allowing the commanders to evade capture or elimination. Critics argue that the administration's policies, such as not enforcing sanctions and reversing previous measures, indicate a continuation of the failed Obama-Iran policy. It has been noted that Iranian oil sales have increased, providing the country with an influx of foreign exchange reserves, while the administration has provided billions of dollars to the Iranian economy.
Speculation has arisen regarding the influence of former President Barack Obama and others on the current administration's Iran policy. The similarities between Obama's approach and the actions taken by the Biden administration have raised questions about who is shaping American foreign policy, particularly with regards to Iran.
Experts suggest that the U.S. should adopt the strategy employed by Israel and target Revolutionary Guard commanders operating outside of Iran. By taking decisive action against the storm troopers of the regime, the U.S. can send a strong message and deter further attacks. Israel's success in eliminating 17 Revolutionary Guard commanders since December 25th serves as evidence for this approach.
Overall, the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran highlight the complex challenges faced in managing the situation. Finding the right balance between deterring Iran's aggression and avoiding a full-blown war requires careful navigation and strategic decision-making.
