Shafaq News/ The near-term risk of a broader conflict in the Middle Easthas slightly diminished following recent exchanges of fire between Israel andLebanon's Hezbollah. Still, Iran continues to pose a significant threat as itconsiders potential strikes on Israel, according to Air Force General C.Q.Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, General Brown discussed thesituation after a three-day visit to the Middle East, during which he arrivedin Israel shortly after Hezbollah launched a major assault involving rocketsand drones. The attack, one of the most significant in over ten months ofborder skirmishes, prompted Israeli military strikes on Lebanon. However, theclashes ended without immediate further escalation.
When asked about the immediate risk of a regional war, Brownacknowledged a slight reduction in tensions but emphasized that the situationremains volatile. "You had two things you knew were going to happen. One'salready happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out,"Brown stated, referring to the recent Hezbollah attack and the looming threatfrom Iran.
The General highlighted that the response from Iran, particularly inlight of the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, wouldplay a crucial role in determining the next steps. "How Iran responds willdictate how Israel responds, which will dictate whether there is going to be abroader conflict or not," he explained.
Brown also raised concerns about Iran's militant allies in the region,including groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, who have previously targeted UStroops and could potentially act independently. He specifically mentioned theHouthis in Yemen, describing them as a "wild card" in the ongoingconflict.
Reflecting on the US military's preparedness, Brown noted that theAmerican forces are now better positioned to assist in the defense of Israeland protect US interests in the region, pointing to recent decisions tomaintain two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East and deployadditional F-22 fighter jets.
As the US continues to navigate the fallout from the ongoing conflictbetween Hamas and Israel, Brown underscored the delicate balance that Iran'sleadership must maintain. While Iran seeks to send a message, Brown suggestedthat its leaders are cautious about provoking a wider war.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalationdepending on Iran's actions and the broader regional dynamics. As Brownconcluded, "They want to do something that sends a message, but they also,I think ... don't want to do something that's going to create a broaderconflict."
The Israeli aggression in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamasmilitants launched an attack on Israeli settlements around the Strip, killingapproximately 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages. Since then, Israel'smilitary response has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents,leading to severe hunger, disease, and the killing of at least 40,000 people,primarily women and children, according to Hamas-run Ministry of Health.