US – Iran Relations

Most of the regional players are wary an escalation between the US and Iran, a conflict which would be conducted across the Middle East and will have wide implications. If Iranian miscalculation leads President Trump to commit to a significant campaign against Tehran, countries wary of Iranian influence could change their posture, and become more explicitly in line with American positions and interests.

What appears to have caused this escalation was the departure by the Iranians from a tacit ground rule hitherto maintained.

Ktaib Hizballah, with its political, military, economic and mafia-like aspects, is the most potent enemy of the US and its allies in Iraq today.

A critical point has been reached where sanctions and military conflict connect. Tehran needs and seeks a limited military confrontation with the West in order to shore-up its legitimacy at home.

Deadlock between Washington and Tehran won’t easily turn into détente even if Trump and Rohani do find a way to meet in New York. However, even a tentative rapprochement between the US and Iran would severely strain Israel’s close ties with the White House.

TRUMP’S GOT A ‘GOOD FEELING’ ABOUT IRAN? NETANYAHU SHOULD BE NERVOUS.
Prof. Inbar: I do not see the Iranians signing on any deal that will force them to give up their nuclear capability.

US-Iranian brinkmanship.
Prof. Efraim Inbar on US-Iranian brinkmanship.

Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign must not be curtailed before Iran’s leaders truly have no choice but to capitulate to Western demands.

Iran's declaration on uranium enrichment.
Dr. Yossi Mansharof on Kan English News.

Tension between the United States and Iran.
Dr. Yossi Mansharof in an interview to "Strictly Security".

Iranians view Trump as ‘tougher’ than Obama, but will it push them to more extreme actions?
Prof. Efraim Inbar: Trump is trying to intimidate Iran to come to the negotiating table.

Israel needs to be prepared for potentially dramatic consequences, including rapid deterioration towards confrontation on all Israel’s borders. Resilience and readiness to act can serve to deter provocations by Iran’s proxies. Ultimately, only a credible military threat from Israel will indicate to friend and foe alike that in a showdown, Iran will be forced to back down.

Professor Efraim Inbar on escalation in US-Iran tensions.

Interview with Dr. Eran Lerman on Iran crisis.
With Israelis closely watching developments between the US and Iran, as well as Iran’s actives through its proxies in the Persian Gulf, TIP spoke with Col. in reserves, Dr. Eran Lerman, for his assessment of the situation.

Iran is not likely to target American troops, since Teheran’s strategy is to wait-out the Trump administration.