Reference News Network, January 22 report: The U.S. "Washington Post" website published an article on January 17 with the title "In the Iranian Crisis, Trump Faces the Limitations of U.S. Military Power," written by Warren Strobel. The translation is as follows:

On the morning of the 14th, much of the Middle East and Washington's political circles seemed to be convinced that Trump would launch a retaliatory air strike against Iran. The Pentagon said that the "Roosevelt" missile destroyer had entered the Gulf region. Sources said that allies received warnings that the U.S. was likely to launch an attack and were moving ships and aircraft. However, Trump later told reporters in the Oval Office: "We'll see how it goes."

Trump's rapid shift left many of his advisors confused and made Iranian dissidents feel abandoned, reflecting significant domestic and international pressure.

Sources said that Trump personally experienced the unpredictability that could destabilize another Middle Eastern country, as well as the limitations of even a massive U.S. military machine. The Pentagon had previously deployed an aircraft carrier battle group and a supporting fleet to the Caribbean Sea, fearing that the U.S. might not have enough firepower in the Middle East to counter a large-scale Iranian retaliation.

Israel shared the same concerns. During the 12-day war in June last year, Israel used a large number of interceptors to deal with Iranian incoming missiles.

Arab officials revealed that major U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, contacted the White House, urging restraint and diplomatic measures. These countries were worried about regional unrest.

Several officials said that perhaps most importantly, Trump realized that striking Iran would cause chaos, possibly triggering an economic shock, a broader war, and threatening the 30,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.

Inside the White House, Trump received conflicting advice. According to reports, Vice President Vance supported striking Iran. His reasoning was that Trump had warned Iran not to kill protesters, thereby drawing a red line that must be strictly enforced. But other of Trump's advisers urged caution, including Middle East envoy Wittkower and Chief of Staff Meadows, especially Wittkower. He directly heard the concerns of the region's Arab allies and wanted to avoid another round of mutual violence. Treasury Secretary Bessembinder advocated waiting for economic sanctions against Iran to take effect.

The Department of Defense and U.S. intelligence agencies presented Trump with alternative strike options, but he concluded that there was no benefit and the consequences were too severe.

Iran also noticed the movement of U.S. military assets, and the strike looked imminent. Tehran contacted the Trump administration. It has been revealed that messages sent by Iranian officials to Wittkower "somewhat eased the situation."

Iran was not the only country communicating urgently with the White House. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other Arab allies united to urge Trump to keep diplomatic options open toward Iran.

An Arab official said: "The message conveyed to Washington was to avoid military action. The views of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt are consistent, that the security and economy of the entire region would be affected, and these effects would eventually impact the United States itself."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of other U.S. allies in the Middle East were worried about how Iran would retaliate if the U.S. launched an attack.

According to several officials, Iran has already begun warning Gulf states that its retaliation would not be as restrained as after the U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities last June. All sides are also concerned that Iran's proxies, including Hezbollah, may launch attacks on their own. With no U.S. aircraft carrier battle group currently in the region, such potential attacks would pose a more serious risk.

Israel was also unprepared, especially without substantial U.S. naval support. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called Trump, asking him not to launch an attack because Israel was not fully prepared for self-defense.

A U.S. official said one of the key factors contributing to Israel's weak defense was the absence of important U.S. military assets. (Translated by Ge Xuelai)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7598108272923312680/

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