Signs point to renewed major US military operations against Iran

Washington: Speculation suggests the United States may resume large-scale military operations against Iran, although military experts doubt such a confrontation could effectively resolve the ongoing conflict. The U.S. and Iran have engaged in a pattern of targeting commercial vessels, with the U.S. aiming to maintain an embargo on Iran's ports and Iran seeking control over the critically important Strait of Hormuz.

While no major land-based assaults have taken place since early September, renewed strikes could occur soon. Suzanne Maloney, director of the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, hypothesizes that strikes may follow the midterms in November. Potential indicators include the deployment of additional U.S. forces and military assets to the Middle East, heightened warnings to American citizens in the region, and a heightened alert status for Israeli forces.

President Donald Trump has publicly ruled out pre-election strikes, stating they wouldn't benefit his reelection prospects. The U.S.-Iranian war, initiated in late February, is contentious in the U.S., particularly due to its economic impact and potential negative consequences for the Republican Party. The situation appears unsustainable, with Maloney emphasizing the need for either diplomatic resolution or military action.

Trump hinted at possible action soon, while U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, claimed a strike could occur this weekend before Israeli elections. Experts caution that predicting timing is challenging, citing recent indications such as the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the dispatch of another Marine Expeditionary Unit to the region.

Israeli warplanes have reportedly conducted a "show of force" reminiscent of previous strikes on Iran, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the feasibility of staging a large-scale ground operation is constrained by the damage to U.S. bases and the extensive degradation of Iran's conventional military sites.

Maloney warns that any further military escalation is unlikely to bring about a resolution, as Iran has shown resilience and the ability to absorb significant damage.