By Geoff LaMear
Israel is attempting to create a regional defensive alliance to counter Iran. The U.S. is being asked to approve the transfer of new laser air defenses from Israel to the Saudis and Emiratis. But creating an extensive alliance to counter Iran is neither necessary nor beneficial to U.S. interests.
Backing Iran into a corner with further escalation is likely to backfire. Iran already has a heightened threat perception from months of high-profile assassinations of its scientists and intelligence personnel, as well as attacks attributed to Israel. Iran is also bracing for a possible Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities, and creating a regional alliance is more likely to invite than to deter Iranian attacks.
Consider that the U.S. tit-for-tat cycle of escalation in 2019 and 2020 ended with Iranian missile attacks on U.S. troops. More recently, Lebanese cyberattacks targeted Israeli firms in response to Israel’s sabotage campaign. Repeating a cycle of hostility that has already proved disastrous isn’t just imprudent, it’s irresponsible.
What’s more, the proposed laser defenses don’t counter ballistic or cruise missiles, the main threats Gulf states face from Iran. Furthering this alliance will disrupt diplomacy with Iran without offering additional protection to the states involved. This signals to Iran that its adversaries have formalized military ties, and Iran will likely respond with an arms buildup. Iran’s missile program and its support to proxies will be encouraged, not curtailed.
This piece was originally published in RealClear World on July 26, 2022. Read more HERE.