Washington has renewed its warnings against Iran-backed militias targeting its forces and interests in the Middle East.
US concerns are growing against a backdrop of dispute engulfing nuclear negotiations between Iran and world powers.
The new US Air Force commander in the region warned that Iranian proxies could renew their attacks, leading eventually to a greater escalation of tensions in the region.
Besides dealing with Iran, the US must maintain regional partnerships to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold in the Middle East, urged Maj. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
Grynkewich took charge of 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) in a ceremony at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday.
He warned attacks cannot be ruled out amid continued regional tensions over Iran’s rapidly expanding nuclear program and deadlock stalling the negotiations for reviving the nuclear agreement with Iran.
“We’re in this position where we’re not under attack constantly, but we do see planning for attacks ongoing,” Grynkewich said.
“Something will occur that unleashes that planning and that preparation against us,” he added.
Last week, as US President Joe Biden toured the region, Iran unveiled armed drones on its warships in the Arab Gulf.
Tehran has rapidly grown its stockpile of near-weapons-grade nuclear fuel in recent months, spreading fears about an escalation. It also has spun more advanced centrifuges prohibited under the landmark atomic accord, which former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018.
Iran tested a satellite-carrying rocket last month, prompting the White House to threaten more sanctions on Tehran to prevent it from accelerating its advanced ballistic missile program.
“Everyone in the region is very concerned,” Grynkewich said.
As other threats subside, the US has sharpened its focus on containing and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region, Grynkewich said, noting that Russia is seeking to maintain the leverage it gained from years of military intervention in the region, especially Syria.
