Is the USA Ready for Military Action? Trump's Call for "Real End" in Iran Conflict
Trump calls for a wholesale, not temporary, resolution in the conflict with Iran
The Israel-Iran conflict continues unabated, with discussions of a potential US military intervention swirling around. President Trump's recent statements on the topic are fueling the debate. As Israel announces further attacks on "essential targets," the capital city of Iran, Tehran, has transformed into a deserted town.
Trump has made it clear that he wants "a real end" for Iran's nuclear program, not just a temporary ceasefire. "It's about ending it," he reiterated.
As the conflict enters its fifth day, both sides continue to battle with relentless intensity. Israeli casualties stand at 24 dead and 600 injured, while Iran's numbers are estimated to be significantly higher.
The Israeli air force targeted the north of Tehran once more, causing a massive explosion in a densely populated district. The constant bombing has turned many residential areas into ghost towns, and many residents have fled the city. With empty supermarkets and restricted internet access, the city feels desolate.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans for more massive attacks, claiming, "We will continue to strike heavy blows against Iran." He mentioned more than ten nuclear targets in the Tehran area. When asked about US involvement, Katz stated, "The State of Israel is leading this fight with its own forces."
Despite their decreased numbers, Iran has launched around 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones since Friday. Israel's military claims it can destroy many of the missiles in transit. Israeli airplanes now have significant operational freedom in Iranian airspace.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas warned of an escalation of the conflict in the region if the US were to join the war between Israel and Iran. "If the United States gets involved, it will definitely escalate the conflict in the region, and that is not in anyone's interest," she stated.
The Role of the USA
While the US has yet to show signs of direct military involvement, it is undoubtedly involved in defending Israel. However, the question remains unanswered: Will the USA choose to intervene in the Israel-Iran conflict? The answer depends on various factors, including regional dynamics, triggering events, and diplomatic efforts.
- Regional instability: The US is cautious about causing wider regional instability and the repercussions with other Middle Eastern countries and global powers like Russia and China.
- Diplomatic efforts: The US continues to pursue diplomatic and economic tools to prevent escalation and reduce tensions in the region.
- Triggering events: An Israeli-Iranian conflict would escalate if Iran attacked Israeli territory or American forces in the region, or if Israel requested explicit US military assistance.
Politics and Expert Insights
- Experts believe a US bomb could destroy Fordo: The well-protected Fordo facility near the city of Qom is considered the key target in preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon. Experts suggest that Israel would need a specialized bunker-busting bomb, which only the US possesses, to destroy the underground nuclear facility.
- The Biden administration is working on reviving the Iran nuclear deal but faces significant hurdles: Efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have stalled due to domestic and Iranian challenges. The US currently maintains economic sanctions on Iran tied to its nuclear and missile programs but remains open to negotiations if Iran meets preconditions related to nuclear transparency and restrictions.
The European Union, with its foreign policy at stake, has a responsibility to underscore the potential consequences of any US military action in the Israel-Iran conflict, as it could escalate war-and-conflicts in the region, impacting general-news and politics.
Despite the current pursuit of diplomatic and economic tools, the Biden administration's attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal may be derailed if the USA engages in military action, as experts suggest a US bomb could destroy key targets like the Fordo facility, escalating war-and-conflicts and shaping future politics.
