What do we make of this Iran vs. USA conflict?

[MikeWaters]

So we’ve been fighting by proxies for many years. And recently it is escalating, as Iran flexes it’s muscles and tests what it can get away with.

That seems to be the common take.

Why is Iran so intent on spreading its control throughout the Middle East? Do they feel that if they do not, Saudi Arabia will?

[Archaea]

Probably an escalation of fears, and prompting by Russia.

[Mindfulcoug]

Good question and while we are at it how about asking what is the united states of America doing in here, thousands miles away from its coasts, for almost forever??

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug

Good question and while we are at it how about asking what is the united states of America doing in here, thousands miles away from its coasts, for almost forever??

Two reasons: oil and Israel.

However, since American is now the largest producer of oil in the world, there is less reliance on the middle east.

While there is broad agreement that no one in America wants further war in the ME (with American troops), there would also be reluctance to abandon Israel.

If Iran were to go to war with Israel, America would intervene.

Why can't Iran wait a few years, before trying to destabilize the ME and enact genocide?

[MikeWaters]

Speculation is that Iran let the USA know of the rocket attacks beforehand, to prevent casualties, missed on purpose. All to save face with their people. But at the same time, not start a war with the US.

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Two reasons: oil and Israel.

However, since American is now the largest producer of oil in the world, there is less reliance on the middle east.

While there is broad agreement that no one in America wants further war in the ME (with American troops), there would also be reluctance to abandon Israel.

If Iran were to go to war with Israel, America would intervene.

Why can't Iran wait a few years, before trying to destabilize the ME and enact genocide?

Just for the sake of these two mentioned reasons ( not going to argue the morality of them here) shouldn’t US be pretty cautious not to start a war in the region? Could you name a single war that Iran has started or a single US interest being targeted by Iran prior to US fully backed Iran-Iraq war?

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Speculation is that Iran let the USA know of the rocket attacks beforehand, to prevent casualties, missed on purpose. All to save face with their people. But at the same time, not start a war with the US.

Its an Iraqi force base with a full unwanted guest house after all.

[MikeWaters]

well of course Iran did kill Iraqis with those missiles. Like they've been doing for decades.

Trump is trying to get the USA out of the Middle East. Maybe Iran doesn't want the USA to leave. Maybe they want a war. Maybe they are trying to drag him in.

All the USA has to do is supply arms to Saudi Arabia and Israel. And otherwise wash their hands of it.

[Mindfulcoug]

The Iraqi civilians and Iraqi army personnel that have been killed by US invasion is not even remotely comparable with what you claim Iran supported militia did, so don’t even go there.

If you want your bastard child has more playground in the region and your dictator friends have more advanced toys to play with, then you have to pay the price.

[MikeWaters]

Just trying to tell you the truth, the USA is not going to let Iran erase Israel from the map. Time to give up that dream.

There's a lot of reservation about support of Saudi Arabia. I suppose it's more of a proxy war thing. Strong SA good as counterweight to Iran and Russia.