Episode 13: Is Iran Already at War with Israel and America?
Dec 19, 2023
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This episode explores the ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, on commercial shipping and the implications for Israel and America. It also covers Iranian-backed militias attacking US forces in Iraq and the Biden administration's restrained response. The podcast discusses frustrations over lack of action in the Middle East and criticizes the administration's focus on other issues.
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Quick takeaways
Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have launched attacks on commercial shipping to disrupt trade and strike a blow against Israel, highlighting Iran's strategy to disrupt shipping traffic.
Iranian-backed forces, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and paramilitary groups, have extensively targeted US military bases, calling for a strong response that diplomacy alone cannot solve, raising concerns about the Biden administration's soft stance towards Iran.
Deep dives
Iran-backed Houthis declare war on vessels shipping to Israel
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran and based in Yemen, have declared war on any vessel attempting to ship goods to Israel. They have carried out several attacks on commercial vessels in international waters, prompting condemnation from the US and Britain. The attacks are believed to be part of Iran's strategy to disrupt shipping traffic passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial chokepoint for international trade. The US Navy has responded by assembling a task force to escort ships, but critics argue that a more robust approach is necessary.
Concerns about Iranian aggression in Iraq and Syria
The podcast discusses the increasing number of attacks by Iranian-backed forces on US military bases in Iraq and Syria. Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian-controlled paramilitary groups in Iraq are among the surrogates used by Iran to target US forces. The podcast emphasizes that these forces only understand force and that they should be met with a strong response. The US currently has troops in Iraq and Syria, and there have been calls to bring them home as their presence seems unable to deter these attacks.
Biden administration's perceived weakness in dealing with Iran
The podcast raises concerns about the perceived soft stance of the Biden administration towards Iran and its proxies. The recent attacks by the Houthis, especially on the Saudi oil infrastructure, have gone unanswered, leading to frustration among Gulf nations. The podcast argues for a stronger approach, suggesting that diplomacy alone will not solve the problem. It calls for a decisive response to the Houthis and criticizes the administration for prioritizing other issues instead of addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In this episode, we dive into the escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and America. The Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iranian missiles and drones, are targeting commercial shipping to disrupt Red Sea traffic, aiming to assist Iranian-backed Hamas. Additionally, Iranian-backed militias have launched over 90 attacks on American forces in Iraq. With the Biden administration opting for a restrained response to prevent further escalation, we question if the escalation has already begun.