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Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz warned his US counterpart Lloyd Austin during a meeting in Tel Aviv that Iran’s aggression has reached an “all-time high”. The discussion raised serious alarm concerning Iran’s audacious, unabashed activities across the Middle East that threaten not only Israel’s security but also the stability of the entire region.
While Iran has continuously maintained that its nuclear program is designed for purely peaceful purposes, Israel alleges that the Iranian regime’s military aggression is matched only by its nuclear deceit. Iran’s recent activities, including an attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Persian Gulf, unveil a series of hostile actions not typically associated with a nation claiming peaceful intent.
Gantz proposed to Austin a comprehensive strategy addressing Iranian hostility not only on nuclear issues but also in other areas of concern. This entails responding to Iran’s actions in the region like supporting proxy groups, instigating unrest, threatening key shipping routes, and its notorious ballistic missile program.
Discussing further, Gantz illustrated Iran’s aggression and its wider implications for regional security and beyond. Iran-supported militant groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq perpetuate a state of unrest, their activities ranging from missile attacks, drone strikes to terror activities. A comprehensive approach would require addressing and dismantling these proxy networks, a challenge which the U.S. defense chief acknowledged.
Gantz’s warning comes at a critical time as the U.S. negotiates the potential re-entry into the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Given the circumstances, Israel’s apprehensions are twofold – that a return to the nuclear deal might embolden Iran’s rogue activities and that the JCPOA may not contain adequate measures to prevent Iran from procuring a nuclear weapon.
Austin, in response, assured Gantz of America’s enduring and ironclad commitment to its strategic partner, Israel. He emphasized that the Biden Administration is actively consulting with Israel and other regional allies as it navigates the complex process of re-engaging Iran diplomatically. The US Defense Secretary agreed on the need for both nations to coordinate their steps to curb Iran’s destabilizing activities and ensure regional peace.
Gantz’s warning underscores a critical geopolitical reality – Iran’s unchecked aggression. It remains a stumbling block to regional peace and further highlights the need for a well-rounded strategy that goes beyond curbing its nuclear ambitions. As such, this meeting between U.S. and Israeli defense personnel serves as an urgent call for intensified collaborative efforts to manage the Iranian threat.
While the US-Israel meet-up sets the stage for future counter-Iran strategies, the real test lies in how effectively this shared understanding translates into concrete actions. As both nations endeavor to ensure regional stability, they’ll need a combined approach that addresses the multifaceted threat of Iran. The onus lies on them to manage Iran’s aggression and thereby maintain the delicate balance in the Middle East.
