by Idan Kweller
“Iran’s destabilizing behavior threatens the national interests of the United States, and therefore President Trump has reinstated a policy of ‘maximum pressure,’" the official said.
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Iran’s conduct in the Middle East and around the world continues to be viewed in Washington as a destabilizing factor, but the tools currently being employed by US President Donald Trump are diplomatic and economic, not military, a senior US State Department official told Walla.
“Iran’s destabilizing behavior threatens the national interests of the United States, and therefore President Trump has reinstated a policy of ‘maximum pressure,’ aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear threat, curbing its ballistic missile program, and blocking its support for terrorist organizations,” the official said.
In other words, the US administration is seeking to tighten the noose around Tehran through sanctions, international isolation, and diplomatic pressure rather than by opening a new military front that could drag the region into broader escalation.
These remarks also align with the cautious tone struck by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addressed Iran during the trilateral meeting in Jerusalem. Netanyahu referenced Israel’s achievements in Operation “Rising Lion” and the 12-day war against Iran, but made clear that the focus of discussions with Washington is not necessarily an immediate confrontation with Tehran.
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s demands of Iran have not changed. These include limits on enrichment, curbing its regional activity, and the removal of the threat posed by its proxies in the so-called axis of evil.
He said the American position also remains the same. However, Netanyahu noted that when he meets with Trump next Monday, the focus is expected to be on Gaza and other regional arenas.
Trump-Netanyahu meeting set to focus on Gaza
“Clearly, this will be a topic in our talks, but I must say that I think the focus will be on Gaza, on the next stage, and on other issues that concern us and other actors. We have Hamas, but we also have Hezbollah, and our desire to see Lebanon stable and sovereign. And of course the Houthis, who are blocking international shipping, something that affects Greece, Cyprus, and us as well,” Netanyahu said.Netanyahu did, however, deliver a direct message to Iran, saying, “We know that Iran has been conducting exercises recently. We are monitoring this and making the necessary preparations. I want to make this clear to Iran here: any action against Israel will be met with a very harsh response.”
Among foreign observers and figures in the international community, a similar assessment is being heard: Trump, who returned to the White House determined to avoid new wars, will prefer to continue gradual pressure on Iran rather than allow an independent Israeli move that could ignite a wide regional conflict, especially at a time when the US administration is focused on efforts to stabilize the arenas in Gaza, Lebanon, and the Red Sea.
Against this backdrop, the American message to Jerusalem is clear. Diplomatic freedom of action is supported, but a green light for military action against Iran’s ballistic missiles is not guaranteed, at least for now.
Idan Kweller
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-881067
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