The Biden administration’s response to the recent killing of three U.S. soldiers by Iran-controlled militias has not been as swift and effective as some may have expected. Five days have passed since the attack, and there have been no retaliatory strikes.
Additionally, there seems to be an unexpected stance from Biden and the “intelligence community,” as they are now seemingly defending Iran. According to intelligence officials, Tehran may not have complete control over its proxy groups in the Middle East, including those responsible for recent attacks on U.S. troops.
These proxy groups, supported by the Quds Force, an elite branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, operate in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. While their ambitions sometimes overlap, Tehran does not appear to have full authority over their operational decision-making.
This disclosure makes predicting the actions of these groups challenging, but it may also decrease the likelihood of direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. Any indication of direct Iranian involvement in ordering or overseeing the attacks would increase the chances of U.S. retaliation.
In light of ongoing hesitation to respond to Iran’s aggression, recent reports from “intelligence officials” asserting Iran’s limited involvement raise questions about the motives behind such leaks. Despite claims of Iran’s lack of complete control, the article argues that Iran’s influence is still significant, whether in identifying targets or providing weapons.
The article criticizes Biden for what it calls a disgraceful approach, attributing his reluctance to take action to concerns about re-election prospects. The author suggests that even if strikes do occur, they may be telegraphed and ineffective, potentially leading to more Iranian attacks in the future.
The piece emphasizes the potential negative consequences of not holding Iran accountable and advocates for a stronger response to serve as a deterrent. It concludes by accusing Biden of prioritizing short-term political gain over addressing Iranian aggression and protecting American interests.