After Iran’s symbolic response, the U.S. should de-escalate to avoid all-out war

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 8, 2020
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, President Trump addressed the nation regarding Iran’s missile attacks on U.S. targets, which fortunately killed no Americans. Defense Priorities Senior Fellow Gil Barndollar issued the following statement in response:

“The U.S. and Iran now stand on the cusp of full-blown war. Last night’s retaliatory strike by Iran, however, was clearly a symbolic, face-saving measure. Striking just two bases in Iraq in the dead of night with a tiny fraction of their missile arsenal, Iran reportedly killed no Americans or Iraqis—and probably did not intend to.

“Iran’s carefully calibrated response shows it is trying to escape from this situation. President Trump today indicated he, too, would like to avoid all-out war, but ‘maximum pressure’ is an escalation strategy that courts war. Continuing maximum pressure while claiming you don’t want war with Iran is like playing Russian roulette and claiming you don’t want to commit suicide.

“A war in the Persian Gulf would be ruinous for all nations involved—most of which would be U.S. partners—and would weaken the United States. The way out is clear. The U.S. should de-escalate by abandoning maximum pressure and seeking talks with Iran. The ball is in our court.”

Author

Gil
Barndollar

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities