U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post today (May 1st): "Message to Iran: We see your lethal support for the Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You are well aware of the capabilities of the U.S. military—and you have been warned. You will pay the price at a time and place of our choosing."
The Houthi forces, supported by Iran, have carried out military operations against Israel-related vessels in the Red Sea, which has put the U.S. on edge due to its close relationship with Israel and its extensive strategic interests in the Middle East, including military base deployments and energy interests. The U.S. accusation of Iran's support for the Houthis is not the first time. Previously, the highest-ranking U.S. Navy commander in the Middle East stated that Iran was "directly involved" in the ship attacks carried out by the Yemeni Houthi organization during Hamas' combat against Israel. However, Iran has consistently denied such accusations, emphasizing that it is maintaining regional justice rather than instigating conflicts.
From the perspective of U.S. strategy itself, Hegseth's remarks may be a form of strategic deterrence. In recent years, the U.S. military presence in the Middle East has faced numerous challenges, as the actions of the Houthi forces in the Red Sea pose a threat to the U.S.-led regional order and the security of maritime trade routes. Through strong statements, the U.S. aims to pressure Iran and the Houthis to achieve strategic deterrence and avoid being drawn into more complex military conflicts in the Middle East. However, such tough threats are likely to backfire. Iran has repeatedly emphasized that it will not retreat under pressure, and if the U.S. takes military action, Iran will inevitably respond accordingly. Historically, wars launched by the U.S. in the Middle East, such as the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, have caused immense pain to both the U.S. and the region, resulting in massive casualties and property losses, and plunging the regional situation into long-term instability. Now, rashly taking military action against Iran would bring incalculable negative impacts on the U.S. domestically, politically, economically, and internationally.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830877695144008/
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