President Trump Considers Military Action Amidst Election Aftermath
As the dust began to settle on the US election Iranian news was dominated by reports of potential US military strikes in Iran. According to the reports, last Thursday President Trump requested ‘options’ to attack an Iranian nuclear facility. Movement in US foreign policy has increased since the election and the new defence secretary Christopher Miller has undoubtedly impacted the situation. Military strikes are nothing new, however, and few will forget the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January.
The wreckage of the vehicle in which the General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a Trump-ordered attack at Baghdad airport in January. Photo Credit: Iraq’s Security Media Cell Handout/EPA
The President was dissuaded from ordering a military strike on the Iranian facility by a number of high-ranking government officials such as Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This is, however, a concerning report of the increased hawkish attitude of the administration and willingness of President Trump to potentially damage US interests in the region. The reasoning that defence staff gave for an attack not being carried out was the likelihood that tensions would escalate, and conflict arise in the final weeks of the Trump Presidency.
Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei warned of a “crushing response” to any military action against the state.
President Trump is frustrated that the maximum pressure sanctions implemented in the last few months have not driven Iran to the negotiating table. His administration refused to rule out military action against Iran before the end of his presidency.
Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/17/trump-iran-bombing-option-report-new-york-times