Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer commented on Newsmax that Iran’s recent attack on Israel was a failed attempt to undermine the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
Shaffer highlighted that despite Iran’s intentions, the response from countries like Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and even Iraq, which supported Israel, indicates a strengthening rather than a weakening of Middle Eastern alliances which are central to the Accords.
During the attack, which took place last weekend, Iran launched a remarkable number of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at Israel.
This aggressive action was met with a robust defense, as the majority of these were intercepted by a coalition that included not only Middle Eastern countries but also global powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, showcasing a broad international backing for Israel.
In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, cleverly timing these strikes to coincide with the Iranian leader’s birthday, which Shaffer noted was an unexpected move from Israel’s side.
This surprise attack was not just a demonstration of military capability but also a strategic maneuver to assert unpredictability, which Shaffer likened to tactics previously used by former President Donald Trump.
The strikes by Israel were substantial but intentionally did not hit Iran’s nuclear sites directly, likely to avoid escalating the situation further. Shaffer saw these actions as a strategic move to reinforce deterrence and possibly set the stage for de-escalation in the region.
The universal scenario described by Shaffer paints a picture of a complex geopolitical chess game involving direct military actions, strategic alliances, and psychological tactics aimed at maintaining stability and deterrence in a volatile region.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges and dynamics following the Abraham Accords, highlighting both the opportunities and threats that come with such landmark agreements.