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America Must Push Back on Iran's Naval and Drone Aggression

(Algemeiner) Vice Adm. (ret.) John W. Miller - Iran's drone attack against the Israeli-operated Mercer Street on July 29 displayed Iran's dangerous tendency to assault ships that are peacefully and legally transiting through international waters. Iranian gunmen also hijacked a Panama-flagged tanker, the Asphalt Princess, in the Gulf of Oman on August 3. With Tehran's aggression growing at an alarming pace, the United States and its partners need a strong, persistent, and cohesive response that deters and degrades Iran's ability to launch these deadly attacks. Iran has designed, manufactured, and proliferated drones to proxy groups, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Shia militias in Iraq, who are increasingly using drones to strike U.S. service members, partners, and interests this year. The continued absence of significant consequences for Tehran's aggression will reinforce the idea that the international community lacks the will to challenge it. Building upon the Abraham Accords, Washington should push for Israel's participation in the International Maritime Security Construct, which has escorted ships in the Arabian Gulf since 2019. The group currently includes the U.S., UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Albania, Estonia, and Lithuania, but could benefit from Israel's intelligence and naval capabilities. Since this is likely not enough to deter the Iranians, Washington needs to develop a comprehensive approach that includes a more consistent and potent use of military force in response to Iran's naval aggression. At the same time, the Biden administration should make clear that Israel can respond independently of any joint action. The writer served as commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
2021-08-16 00:00:00
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