Restoring Deterrence - The Imperative of Countering Iranian Aggression

 

To effectively counter the growing threat posed by Iran and protect American interests, it is imperative to reinstate a policy of strength and pressure, including the revocation of sanctions waivers and targeted military strikes against critical Iranian infrastructure.

The escalating aggression of Iran, epitomized by the tragic loss of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan, has breached a critical threshold. These deplorable acts of violence, orchestrated by the world's preeminent state sponsor of terrorism, demand an unambiguous and forceful response. The United States, in the face of such provocations, must decisively restore deterrence, not only in the Middle East but globally.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. foreign policy towards Iran has been marked by conciliatory overtures and concessions. This approach, spanning the past three years, has evidently emboldened Iran's aggressive posturing. The Trump administration's 'maximum-pressure' strategy, which had exerted considerable pressure on Tehran, was rolled back. Notably, the Biden administration agreed to a staggering $6 billion ransom for the release of five American hostages, allowed an unprecedented increase in Iranian oil exports to China, and controversially removed the terrorist designation of the Houthis. Moreover, efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have been pursued, risking the acceleration of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The policy of appeasement adopted towards Iran by the Biden administration has led to severe and alarming consequences, which became starkly evident with the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Hamas against Israel on October 7. This incident was not an isolated event but a manifestation of a broader pattern of aggression that has been emerging over recent months. In the subsequent four-month period, the U.S. administration's approach, characterized by its marked reluctance to take a firm stand against Iran's escalating provocations, has been unmistakably apparent. This period has been marked by a series of aggressive actions by Iran and its proxies in the region, which have largely gone unanswered by the U.S. The administration's persistent resort to diplomatic overtures, in the face of these provocations, has not only failed to curb Iran's belligerence but seems to have emboldened it further.

The Iranian regime's outright rejection of the diplomatic overtures extended by the Biden administration is a clear indicator of the failure of the current U.S. policy. This failure has come at a high cost, including the loss of American lives, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic reevaluation. The safety of U.S. soldiers and the broader concerns of national security demand a transition to a more assertive and proactive stance towards Iran. This necessity is underscored by the regime's history of responding only to strength and firmness, a fact that has been starkly ignored in recent diplomatic efforts. The current approach, which contrasts sharply with the more confrontational stance of previous years, has not yielded the desired results in terms of curbing Iran's aggressive actions in the region and protecting American interests.

The contrast between the current administration's approach and that of the Trump administration's 'maximum pressure' campaign is striking. During the latter's tenure, a policy characterized by the rigorous enforcement of sanctions was implemented, effectively reducing Iran's influence and capabilities in the Middle East. The decisive action taken against Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, in response to direct threats against American lives, is a prime example of this assertive stance. By the end of 2020, the results of this approach were evident: Iran was increasingly isolated internationally, and its ability to destabilize the region was significantly weakened. This period demonstrated that a firm and unwavering approach could indeed curtail Iran's aggressive behavior and reduce the threat it poses to regional stability and American interests. The lesson from this historical precedent is clear: a return to a policy of strength and pressure is necessary to counter the growing threat posed by Iran.

To reestablish stability in the Middle East and safeguard American and allied interests, a return to a 'maximum pressure' strategy is essential. This would include revoking the $10 billion sanctions waiver reissued in November by the Biden administration. The funds from these waivers are purportedly used by Tehran to finance terrorist activities across the Middle East. As a global leader, the U.S. should also urge international banks to freeze the assets of Iranian proxies in the region.

The ethos of the Trump administration was to build a model of deterrence that effectively dissuaded adversaries from aggression. This model has deteriorated under a policy of appeasement, escalating the costs of reinstating it, not just in the Middle East, but globally.

The immediate step should be to respond to Iran's lethal aggressions with potent military strikes. These actions are necessary not only to halt Tehran's escalatory behavior and protect American soldiers but to re-establish a deterrent model that prevents the outbreak of war. Targeted military strikes should aim at Iran's nuclear facilities, naval capabilities, and oil infrastructure. Symbolic strikes on non-essential targets are ineffectual. History has repeatedly shown that appeasement is a failed policy.

For the Biden administration, the current geopolitical landscape presents a critical juncture at which decisive action is not just a choice, but a necessity. The administration's commitment to the safety and security of the nation and its citizens must be the cornerstone of its foreign policy, especially in dealing with adversaries like Iran. The responsibility to protect American service members, who risk their lives defending the nation's freedoms, cannot be overstated. This duty extends beyond mere rhetoric; it necessitates concrete actions that effectively deter any entities that threaten American interests. Failing to respond to such threats not only undermines the sacrifices of those who have served and paid the ultimate price but also jeopardizes the foundational principles of national security.

The imperative for the Biden administration is clear: to recalibrate its approach and adopt a more assertive stance in international affairs. This shift is crucial for re-establishing a robust model of deterrence, particularly in volatile regions like the Middle East. The administration must move beyond a policy of appeasement, which history has repeatedly shown to be ineffective, and embrace a strategy that unequivocally communicates the consequences to any nation or group that challenges American interests. Such a stance is essential not only for honoring the sacrifices of America's military personnel but also for maintaining the global stature and influence of the United States. The time for this strategic pivot is now, for the preservation of national security and the upholding of the values and principles that define America.