Iran fears US shift from containment to deterrence, analyst warns

Dr. Nabil Al-Atoum, Director of the Iranian Studies Program, said Iran is concerned that the United States' decision to implement a ceasefire may be a tactical maneuver.

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya FM, Al-Atoum added that recent developments in the region indicate the decision is tactical, citing the deployment of B-1 bombers and F-35 fighter jets. He explicitly noted this signals abandoning the policy of containment in favor of strengthening deterrence and preparing for long-range strikes should diplomacy between Washington and Tehran fail.

Al-Atoum explained that the United States is preparing for several scenarios. The military buildup could provide options for broader air campaigns or protect US forces and maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. It may also pressure Iran to make concessions and return to negotiations, in addition to logistical preparations such as sending medical teams and refueling aircraft, which suggests readiness for operations that could last longer than a single strike.

The United States has decided to temporarily halt military operations against Iran while simultaneously carrying out major reinforcements in the region. This has raised concerns among Iranian leaders, especially given the challenges in ensuring a stable negotiation path between Washington and Tehran.

According to The New York Times, Iran rejected a US proposal for a ceasefire that was conveyed by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. The newspaper quoted Iranian officials as saying Tehran is not interested in a temporary agreement that leaves control over the Strait of Hormuz unresolved.

View the post on X