Red Sea Attacks and US Response: A Closer Look

Introduction

In recent times, the Red Sea has become a hotbed of attacks and conflicts. The involvement of the USS Carney in these attacks has raised questions about the appropriate response from the US administration. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the situation by discussing the need for a muscular response, the role of deterrence, and the messaging challenges faced by the US government.

The Need for a Muscular Response

Former Defense Secretary suggests the need for a muscular response from the administration, and many experts agree. The repeated attacks in the region cannot be ignored. The US has already taken action by striking buildings in Syria and targeting proxy forces. However, these actions have had limited impact since they target assets that Iran does not care about. To introduce deterrence, the US must demonstrate both capability and the will to inflict harm.

The Role of Deterrence

In order to introduce deterrence, two elements are crucial. Firstly, the US needs to demonstrate its capability to inflict harm. This can be achieved by deploying assets like the USS Carney in the region. Secondly, the adversary, in this case, Iran, must perceive the US as having the will to inflict harm and pain. Currently, Iran does not believe that the current administration possesses the will to respond strongly, and unfortunately, they may be right.

The Messaging Challenges

The messaging from the US government has been unclear, resulting in challenges in conveying the intended message to Iran. It is important for the US to clearly define the purpose of deploying assets in the region. The messaging should clarify the objectives, targets, and the broader point of the response to Iran. The recent statement from SYNCOM, explicitly mentioning Iran's involvement, is a step in the right direction. However, it remains uncertain if this message will be enough to convey the seriousness of the situation.

In the past, during the tanker wars in 1988, the US took strong action by striking two Iranian oil platforms. This demonstrated the US's capability and will to inflict significant harm. Iran received the message and reduced its provocative actions. A similar approach may be necessary in the current situation to effectively deter Iran.

Conclusion

The Red Sea attacks and the involvement of the USS Carney have highlighted the need for a muscular response from the US administration. Demonstrating both capability and will is crucial to introducing deterrence. However, the current messaging challenges faced by the US government make it difficult to effectively communicate the intended message to Iran. Drawing from past experiences, it is clear that a stronger and more targeted response may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

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