Bidenpolitik: A Foreign Policy Without Coherence - The American Spectator
American SpectatorDEC 30 2023
The presence of an Iranian warship in the Red Sea has sparked fears that the Gaza conflict could escalate into a larger international crisis. Many interpret Tehran's move as an attempt to project influence and force the United States to pull back on its regional influence. The task facing the international powers is to try to defuse an already volatile situation while working to guarantee the security of the vital maritime route, which is essential to worldwide commerce.
Tehran is trying to maintain its power in the area by supporting the Houthis and moving a warship to the Red Sea, where it hopes to gain control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. It seems unlikely that the move would lead to further escalation between the US and Iran, as Tehran has no interest in a direct conflict with the US in the Red Sea. Rather, Iran will utilize the crisis to demonstrate to the rest of the world that it is a constructive and major regional power — especially given the current conflict in Gaza.