Regarding the Biden administration's plans to take retaliation for the attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan in the Middle East, a former senior US government official said that the Biden administration fears an escalation of tensions and is concerned about Iran, which it says is behind the attack. He expressed the view that there is a low possibility of a direct military attack on the territory.
On January 28, a U.S. military base was attacked by a drone in northeast Jordan, killing three soldiers. and will take retaliatory measures.
Regarding this, Sales, a former high-ranking State Department official who oversaw counter-terrorism efforts under the Trump administration, gave an interview to NHK on the 31st and said that the United States has a range of measures ranging from a modest response of attacking armed groups to military facilities on Iranian territory. He pointed out that there are a wide range of options, including strong responses such as attacks.
He added, ``The Biden administration is truly afraid of escalating tensions. So far, it has chosen the most modest of various options,'' adding that it is unlikely to launch a direct military attack on Iranian territory. was shown.
Regarding the fact that no retaliatory measures have been taken three days after the attack, he said, ``This is a very long time.The passage of time without a firm response from the United States means that the United States is not prepared to defend itself and that tensions are escalating.'' "It sends a message that we are afraid and invites further invasion by our enemies," he said.
Mr. Sales further stated that the United States has lost the security trust of the Gulf countries, which are geographically close to Iran, and stated, ``The United States will establish deterrence through military means, and will continue to engage in diplomatic relations with the Gulf countries.'' We need to revitalize relations,'' he said, emphasizing the need to contain Iran's movements from both the military and diplomatic fronts.