Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan released an updated military plan for Iran. It envisions sending 120,000 U.S. troops to the Middle East if Iran attacks U.S. forces in the region, or if Iran’s nuclear weapons program is accelerated. The Supreme Leader of Iran seemed to dismiss the prospect of war on Iranian state TV today. The increased tension shows the growing influence of hawks on President Trump’s foreign policy team, namely National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Trump administration hardliners push for sending 120,000 U.S. troops to Iran if necessary
Kharanaq at sunset near Yazd, Iran. Credit: Valerian Guillot/CC BY 2.0.