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Is the US military ready for a major conflict in the Middle East?

Is the US military ready for a major conflict in the Middle East?

Apr 20, 2024

Washington [USA], April 20: In the context of Iran and Israel facing the risk of switching from shadow war to direct confrontation, the US military needs to reconsider its strategy in the Middle East region.
The success of the US military in assisting Israel to prevent a recent missile and drone attack (UAV) from Iran may temporarily prove that Washington's forces are ready for whatever is coming. between these two countries.
However, US officials and former officials believe that the country's forces are not ready for a major and prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Therefore, the Pentagon may need to reassess regional military needs if the crisis becomes more serious.
"I don't think we have enough forces necessary to support Israel if there is a direct war between this country and Iran," Reuters on April 20 quoted Mr. Michael Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of the US, as saying. Middle East under President Donald Trump.
Although Tehran said it had no plans to respond to Israel's attack on April 19, the tit-for-tat attacks increased concerns about the outbreak of a regional war that the US wanted to prevent.
Since Hamas forces attacked Israel, opening the Gaza conflict, the US has sent thousands of troops to the area, which has seen a decline in US military presence in recent years.
However, these soldiers are brought in on warships and fighter jets in and out of the area, and are only deployed temporarily. America's strategy of temporarily increasing military force to solve problems in the Middle East could be tested if Iran and Israel launch retaliatory attacks against each other.
Mr. Joseph Votel, a retired four-star Army general who once commanded US forces in the Middle East, commented: "I think the US military needs to reconsider the idea of necessary and sustainable (military) capabilities." for the region".
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper