The raining of bombs, missiles, and other munitions from the skies onto Iran that began in February is in its fourth week. Following exhaustive talks, the United States and Israel had had enough, and on Feb. 28, they began an air assault, which has systematically and relentlessly destroyed the rogue country’s leadership, governing structure, air defenses, navy, and ballistic missile, drone, and cruise missile capability. Now, there may be an end in sight.
Bringing Iran to Its Knees
On the first day of the conflict, dozens in Iranian leadership, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were killed. With each passing day, more in the ruling class were eliminated, along with the heads of security forces. According to a Pentagon press briefing, the United States and Israel have established air superiority over Iran. Persistent attacks on the Iranian navy have destroyed more than 120 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and regular vessels, as well as 44 minelayers. In response, the Tehran government decided it would retaliate by launching missile and drone barrages at its Gulf neighbors.
That tactic backfired. Gulf states that might have remained neutral became strongly united against Iran. UAE bore the brunt of the attacks, sustaining more than a thousand drone and missile strikes. Many hits were civilian hotels and other non-military buildings, which aggravated the regional neighbors more.
Apparently desperate, Iran has reportedly reached out to the United States to seek an end to the destruction, and President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social (all capital letters are the author’s):
“I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN-DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE-DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS.”
Trump has in the past said that Iran wants to make a deal, but until this past weekend, there was no tangible evidence to support that claim. It is important to note that the post explained that the talks are conditional. The president does not say there will be a ceasefire, but only that the “power plants and energy infrastructure” will be protected from attacks for five days. The Iranian military, security forces, nuclear facilities, and leadership remain legitimate targets.
Peace May Be at Hand
Previously, Trump said on Truth Social that the United States was getting “close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.” He went on to describe how the air campaign had fulfilled its objectives of eliminating Iran’s missile capability, “launchers and everything else pertaining to them … Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base … Eliminating their Navy and Air Force … Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability.” Last, the United States achieved protection for its Middle Eastern allies and friends. He also announced, “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!”
What will happen in the five days Trump has allowed for negotiations is unknown. However, Trump’s posts signal that he does not intend for the conflict in Iran to be protracted. The United States has established its planned objectives, and once they are achieved, the mission will be accomplished.
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The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.
