Iran in Trouble: The United States Opens with a Dramatic Move

Against the backdrop of growing tensions in the region, and in the shadow of the crisis in talks between the United States and Iran, the Wall Street Journal reports this evening that the United States is transferring critical military equipment from Ukraine to the Middle East. The move is intended, according to the report, as preparation for possible escalation against Iran and for renewed fighting against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The report, based on official sources, reveals that Washington is beginning a process of redirecting valuable military resources that were originally designated to support Ukraine's war effort against the Russian invasion, out of recognition of the need to strengthen American forces and regional partners ahead of possible scenarios of direct or indirect confrontation with Iran, as well as to ensure the ability to respond effectively to Houthi attacks on international shipping routes.

The equipment transferred includes air defense systems, unmanned aircraft and precision munitions, a move that indicates that the chances of escalation in the Middle East have risen above those in Ukraine in the immediate time frame.