US walking a tightrope that could lead to regional war

As Israel, backed by the US, prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza, the security of US bases and interests in the Middle East is increasingly under scrutiny due to the threat of attacks originating from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

The Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday that US troops have been attacked 10 times in Iraq and three times in Syria since 17 October.

A day earlier, US officials said they had not received any indication that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had issued a directive to attack its forces in the region.

This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the situation and will determine how the US goes forward.

The US has been the biggest backer of Israel in the conflict so far and has dispatched military advisors including senior officers, as well as expedited the delivery of advanced air defence systems, not only to Israel but elsewhere in the region.

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