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Erfan Fard

In the Line of Fire: Iran’s Shadow War with The US

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, right, was named ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee to succeed California Rep. Adam B. Schiff, center. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The information provided by the US intelligence community indicates that Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the  Middle East are preparing to intensify their attacks against  US forces. The intelligence suggesting an increase in attacks by Iranian-backed  Terrorists against US forces in the Middle East underscores the complex and sensitive nature of regional dynamics. The situation requires close monitoring and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and maintain stability in the region.

In recent weeks, the Middle East has once again become a hotbed of tensions and military provocations. The world is witnessing an escalation of violence, with U.S. troops in the region being targeted in a series of attacks by the Islamic terrorism’s Network. The Pentagon has made it clear that it holds Iran’s regime responsible for these attacks, and the consequences of these aggressive actions are far-reaching.

The attacks on American forces have been carried out by Iranian-backed militia groups operating in Iraq and Syria. These groups have used drones to launch assaults on U.S. military installations, putting the lives of American troops at risk. These attacks have intensified, prompting the U.S. to take immediate action to protect its personnel.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby has pointed out the “very direct connection” between these terrorist groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC thugs). This is a significant shift in rhetoric from the U.S. government, which had been relatively cautious when assigning blame to Tehran. The attacks and the subsequent response from the U.S. signal a growing concern about the role of Iranian terrorist proxy forces in the region.

One of the key consequences of these attacks is the increased military presence in the Middle East. To safeguard American forces, additional troops have been deployed to the region. The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group, originally destined for the Mediterranean, was rerouted to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries and Patriot missile defense systems have also been deployed.

The U.S. is determined to protect its personnel, but it’s equally committed to preventing further escalation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has taken measures to deter any expanded conflict, particularly in the wake of the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The goal is clear: protect American troops while preventing the situation from spiraling into a larger regional conflict.

The most significant consequence of these events is the growing tension between the U.S. and terrorist loving mullahs in Iran. The Pentagon has stated that these attacks bear “Iranian fingerprints all over,” suggesting that Iran is funding, equipping, guiding, and directing these proxy groups across the region. This reaction further strains the already fragile relationship between the two states.

The current situation has revealed the deep-seated animosity between the U.S. and Iran’s regime. The Iranian government’s support for proxy terrorist groups in the region has put them on a collision course with the U.S., which views these actions as direct threats to its interests and personnel.

While the attacks on U.S. troops are a serious concern, they also draw attention to the broader regional dynamics. Iran’s influence in the Middle East has grown significantly over the years, and it is now a key player in conflicts and geopolitical struggles. This has created a complex web of allegiances and rivalries that have far-reaching consequences for the region’s stability.

The terrorist attacks on U.S. troops are a stark reminder of the challenges the Biden administration faces in the Middle East. The administration has inherited a region characterized by ongoing conflicts, fragile alliances, and deeply entrenched hostilities. As these attacks continue, it is clear that the administration must navigate this volatile landscape carefully. Even though, the Biden’s policy toward the criminal mullahs in Iran is horrific.

In addition to the immediate security concerns, the U.S. must also consider the impact of these events on its broader foreign policy goals. The Biden administration has expressed its commitment to reengaging with Iran and potentially reentering the Iran nuclear deal. However, the recent attacks and the involvement of Iranian-backed terrorist groups complicate these efforts.

The situation demands a delicate balancing act. The U.S. must protect its interests and personnel while seeking to de-escalate tensions and maintain open channels of communication with Iran. It’s a challenging task, but one that is essential to prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.

The consequences of these attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East are complex and far-reaching. They have led to increased military deployments, strained relations between the U.S. and Iran’s regime, and raised questions about the administration’s broader foreign policy goals in the region. The U.S. is determined to protect its personnel, but it must do so while carefully navigating the intricate web of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the region’s stability hangs in the balance, and the U.S. must tread cautiously to avoid further escalation.

It’s important to note that the situation in the Middle East is complex, with multiple actors pursuing various agendas. Iran’s actions and motivations are influenced by a combination of strategic, ideological, and security considerations, and understanding them requires careful analysis of the region’s political dynamics.

However, the danger lies in the Quds Force’s ability to mobilize and carry out terrorist attacks, especially in regions where it has established significant networks. Its presence in Africa, South America, and the potential to launch attacks on the U.S. border and Israel should not be underestimated. The Quds Force, while not able to confront major powers head-on, excels at using sabotage and terrorism as means to challenge and confront its adversaries. A cohesive and decisive response is necessary to protect the world from the machinations of this dangerous paramilitary force.

In sum, the American forces in the Middle East must take note of a point that I have repeatedly emphasized during my tenure in Counter Terrorism and writings. The ‘Axis Of Resistance‘ is a fabricated label, essentially translating to the ‘Axis of Evil.’ It is a cover & a label, or an umbrella, drawn by the Quds Force over Terrorist groups. In this vernacular, resistance equates to crime, terrorism, chaos, and crisis creation. The entire direction of this ominous script is in the hands of the Quds Force.

I hope this time they understand clearly and unequivocally.  Khamenei, like chess pieces, moves a terrorist proxy group against Israel and the USA at any moment. With ambition, he wants to be the owner of the MiddleEast. Until there’s a RegimeChange in Tehran, this ominous fire of unholy war becomes more intense.

About the Author
Erfan Fard is a counter-terrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, DC. He is in Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran, Counter terrorism, IRGC, MOIS and Ethnic conflicts in MENA. \He graduated in International Security Studies (London M. University, UK), and in International Relations (CSU-LA), and is fluent in Persian, Kurdish, Arabic and English. Follow him in this twitter account @EQFARD