The highest-ranking military official of the US stated on Monday (August 26th) that the risk of a larger-scale war breaking out in the Middle East has somewhat eased as the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have not escalated further. However, Iran is still contemplating whether to launch an attack on Israel, which remains a serious threat.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US military, Air Force General Charles Quinton Brown Jr., gave an interview to Reuters reporters after concluding his three-day visit to the Middle East. He flew to Israel shortly after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel.
In response, the Israeli military attacked Lebanon, thwarting Hezbollah’s attempts to launch a large-scale offensive. After the conflict ended, neither side threatened further retaliatory actions.
Hezbollah stated in a declaration that its military actions against Israel had ended in victory. The group had earlier announced that the operation was a first phase aimed at retaliating against the Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut last month that killed their senior military leader Fuad Shukr.
During the interview, Brown mentioned that Hezbollah’s attack was just one of two major threats against Israel in recent weeks. Iran has also threatened to launch attacks on Israel following the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran last month.
When asked if the direct risk of regional war had decreased, Brown stated, “Yes, to some extent it has decreased.”
As he departed from Israel, Brown remarked, “You know two things are going to happen. One of them has happened, and now we see how the second one plays out.”
“Iran’s response will determine Israel’s response, which will in turn decide whether a wider conflict ensues,” he added.
Brown also warned that Iran’s radical proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan pose risks, as they have previously launched attacks on US forces. Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have also attacked shipping vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones towards Israel.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran at the end of last month during his visit, and Iran has blamed Israel for the incident, vowing a severe response. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the assassination.
Brown mentioned that the US is now better equipped to assist in defending Israel and US forces in the Middle East compared to the unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel on April 13th, where hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were launched.
However, efforts are being made by Israel, the US, and other allies to intercept and destroy these weapons before they reach their targets.
“We are prepared… We have sought to improve upon the foundations laid in April,” Brown stated. He noted that the US decided to deploy two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East on Sunday (August 25th) and send an additional squadron of F-22 fighter jets.
Regardless of any plans the Iranian military may have, decisions will be made by the Iranian political leadership, according to Brown. “They want to do something to send a message, but I don’t think… they want to do anything that would provoke a wider conflict.”
Before departing from Israel, Brown visited the Northern Command Headquarters of the Israeli Defense Forces to receive briefings on the threats facing Israel at the borders with Lebanon and Syria. In Tel Aviv, he met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.
When asked about Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly following strikes by Israel, Brown cautioned that “they still have the capability.”
On the early morning of October 7th last year, thousands of armed Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel, resulting in around 1200 deaths and approximately 250 people being taken hostage, sparking a new round of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Biden administration has been working to limit the impact of the Gaza war between Hamas and Israel.
Last Wednesday (August 21st), Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone to discuss the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and reaching an agreement on the release of hostages, emphasizing the continued efforts to alleviate the broader tensions in the region.
(This article references relevant reports from Reuters)