Khaberni - The American press has stated that the US military force in the Middle East is sufficient to launch a strike against Iran, but it may not be enough to protect against any Iranian response, and added that the large US military buildup in the Caribbean might limit President Donald Trump's military options towards Tehran.
Trump stated last night, Wednesday, that the killing of protesters in Iran had stopped, in comments that were read as an indication of a possible hesitation by Washington in launching a military strike against Iran, based on its handling of the widespread protests that have been occurring in the country for about three weeks.
Regarding the possibility of resorting to the military option against the Iranian regime, Trump seemed to exclude that scenario and said, "We will watch the situation and see how things go, but we have received a very good statement from people informed about what is happening."
Trump's threats to intervene militarily in Iran became more serious yesterday with the United States beginning to withdraw some of its personnel from military bases in the region after a senior Iranian official warned neighboring countries that Iran would target US bases in the event they are bombed.
Swift Strike
Trump told his national security team that he wishes to deliver a "swift and decisive strike" to the Iranian regime and not to ignite a prolonged war that could extend for weeks or months.
"The Atlantic" magazine has quoted Pentagon officials as saying that the Trump administration is planning to keep military capabilities that were moved from the Middle East near Venezuela.
The officials clarified that the US force in the Middle East is sufficient to launch a strike against Iran, but it might not be enough for protection against the response.
NBC News reported recently that the US Central Command has presented Trump with military options regarding Iran, which were later revised.
An American official told the network that Trump might approve an initial limited military action against Iran, while retaining the options for escalation.
Absence of an Aircraft Carrier
According to The Wall Street Journal, protecting American forces stationed in the region from any Iranian military response has become more difficult without an aircraft carrier and its accompanying destroyers, equipped with a combat system that can shoot down missiles.
The newspaper added that the substantial US military presence in the Caribbean due to the Venezuelan crisis limits the military options against Iran.
In contrast, the newspaper cited officials and experts who confirmed that the United States is still capable of defending its forces in the region through other means, including the military capabilities available to its regional partners in the Middle East.
Later on Wednesday, Iran closed its airspace to flights, except for those authorized by the authorities in Tehran, before reopening it on Thursday morning.
