U.S. General Reports Eased Risk of Broader Middle East Conflict After Recent Clashes, But Iran Remains a Key Threat
Exclusive: Top US General Claims Risk of Escalation Diminishes Following Israel-Hezbollah Clash.ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Aug 26 (Reuters) — Air Force General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has indicated that the immediate risk of a broader war in the Middle East has lessened somewhat following the recent exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. This development came after a significant clash, but the situation remains tense due to potential actions by Iran.
General Brown spoke to Reuters following a three-day visit to the Middle East, which included a trip to Israel shortly after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israeli targets. In response, the Israeli military struck Lebanon in an attempt to prevent further escalation. Despite the intensity of the exchange, which marked one of the most severe clashes in over ten months of border conflict, the immediate damage in Israel was limited, and there were no immediate signs of further retaliation from either side.
During his briefing, General Brown highlighted that Hezbollah’s recent attack is only one of two major threats to Israel that have emerged in recent weeks. The second major threat involves Iran, which has expressed intentions to retaliate for the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran last month. This ongoing tension adds to the already volatile situation in the region.
When asked about the immediate risk of a broader regional conflict, Brown acknowledged that the danger has decreased somewhat. “You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out,” he stated while departing Israel. He emphasized that the response from Iran will be crucial in determining the likelihood of a larger conflict, with potential repercussions depending on how Iran’s actions influence Israeli responses.
Brown also raised concerns about other potential threats posed by Iran’s militant allies in the region. This includes groups in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen’s Houthis, who have previously targeted U.S. troops and have been involved in attacks on Red Sea shipping and even Israel.
“The Houthis, in particular, are a wild card,” Brown noted, indicating that their potential actions could further complicate the situation. Iran has vowed a severe response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Tehran has blamed on Israel. However, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in this incident.
General Brown reassured that the U.S. military is in a stronger position to support Israel and protect its own forces in the Middle East compared to previous instances of conflict. He highlighted recent strategic adjustments, including the decision to maintain two aircraft carrier strike groups in the region and deploy an additional squadron of F-22 fighter jets. “We’re better postured,” he said, reflecting on improvements made since April, when Iran launched an unprecedented attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles.
He emphasized that any potential Iranian military actions will ultimately be decided by Iran’s political leaders, who will have to balance their desire to send a message with the risk of igniting a broader conflict.
The Biden administration is working to mitigate the fallout from the ongoing war in Gaza, which has now been ongoing for 11 months. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas assault on Israeli communities, has caused extensive devastation in Gaza and led to severe humanitarian crises.
During his trip, General Brown also visited the Israeli military’s Northern Command and met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi. Despite the recent clashes, he cautioned that Hezbollah still retains significant military capabilities.
As the situation evolves, the potential for further conflict remains a significant concern, and continued vigilance will be necessary to navigate the complex and volatile dynamics in the region.