What made Trump backtrack after ordering strikes against Iran after the gulf nation shot down one of US’ drones?
In a historically mysterious moment, US and Iran were hours away from entering a war. But President Trump decided to track back on his order of strikes against the gulf country. What made Trump overturn his own decision? Speculations are plenty in the US media.
What lead to boiling up of tensions?
It all started with US pulling out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal involving UN permanent members of UN security council and Iran. Trump emphasized on how ‘pathetic’ the deal was and he will not allow Iran to build nuclear weapons. After that US imposed sanctions on Iran over alleged missile tests and terrorism funding.
The Trump administration has devised the strategy to cripple Iran’s economy by pressurizing the nations buying oils from Iran to not indulge in any kind of trade with Iran. Iran retaliated with threat to increase their uranium reserve, which will violate their nuclear deal and make way for their nuclear weapon program.
In the recent development, 4 oil tankers were attacked, led by another attack on 2 tankers. According to US and Saudis, Iran is behind these attacks. US sent 1000 troops to south east with a message that any attack on US or its allies will result in a strong response from the US.
The speculations doing rounds
There’s plenty of speculation on why Trump decided to wait and watch before unleashing his arsenal on Iran.
Threat over US presence in middle east
Any military action on Iran can result in Iran targeting US troops or embassies in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. This makes America’s strong presence in the middle east vulnerable and Donald Trump won’t take any chances with their military operations in these nations.
No clear outcome
A war with Iran in current scenario leads to no outcome for both the nations. US is trying their best to put diplomatic pressure on Iran over their nuclear plans but taking any military action over the drone down in international airspace without any proof will lead US to a war on foreign soil with no allies. US first needs to make their case stronger with a clear objective or end result.
2020 Elections
In his 2016 election campaign, Trump has raised his voice against America’s participation in unwinnable wars and matters not involving the nation’s interest.
After reducing troops from Afghanistan and showing reluctance in deploying troops in Syria, a war against Iran will surely contradict his stance on national security. And the opposition will make the most out of another war with no outcome in the end.
Trump doesn’t want war with Iran
In the aftermath of the news, Reuters reported that Iran received a message from Trump via Oman warning of an imminent U.S. attack. As per the report, Trump iterated that he was against any war with Iran and wanted to dialogue on various issues.
Trump has given Iran a ‘short period of time’. As per the official who spoke to Reuters, it is upto the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to decide the next step. Iran also warned US through Oman that any attack against Iran will have regional and international consequences.
With the recent shooting down of US drone by the Iran’s elite force, tension between the two nations is at its peak. Both the nations have stated they don’t want war, but with the shrinking economy, Iran is ready to take any measure to make US withdraw their sanctions.
