Iran-Backed Threats Persist Despite US Strikes

Despite recent heavy airstrikes, U.S. military efforts have not effectively stopped attacks by Iran-backed groups on American forces in the Middle East and on shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, have originated from or targeted four different countries, presenting a complex challenge for the U.S. as it seeks to mitigate tensions without direct confrontation with Iran.

Last week, the U.S. conducted numerous strikes on Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria following a drone attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan. Additionally, joint strikes with Britain targeted Yemeni rebels over the weekend. However, subsequent attacks on American forces in Syria and on merchant vessels by rebels have persisted.

Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, anticipates a continued level of violence, though he believes the frequency and magnitude of attacks will decrease due to diminishing capabilities and a desire to minimize losses among the Iran-backed groups.

While the Pentagon has not indicated plans for a prolonged campaign in Iraq and Syria, it asserts its commitment to protecting U.S. forces by taking necessary actions. Michelle Grise, a senior policy researcher at RAND, suggests that proxy attacks may persist throughout the Gaza war but could pause with an extended ceasefire.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has fueled violence involving Iran-backed forces in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. American troops in the region have faced over 165 attacks in the past four months, primarily in Iraq and Syria. Despite retaliatory strikes, attacks on U.S. forces have continued, including a drone attack in Jordan and missile launches targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The U.S. holds Tehran responsible for supporting these attacks but has refrained from targeting Iranian territory to avoid escalation into a broader conflict. Alterman emphasizes the reluctance of the U.S. and its regional allies to engage in a prolonged Middle East war, reflecting a desire for stability and a clear resolution to the escalating tensions.