Why Iran targets Gulf states over US warships, according to military expert

Military expert Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Elias Hanna offers insight into Iran's strategic calculations amidst rising military tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning its approach to US forces in the region.

Hanna explains that Iran has largely avoided direct confrontations with US warships, instead focusing its military actions on neighboring Gulf states. This strategic choice, he suggests, is rooted in a pragmatic assessment of military cost and effectiveness.

According to Hanna, directly attacking US military units carries a significant risk of provoking a harsh and potentially devastating response from Washington. He points out that the US has issued clear warnings against targeting its personnel in the region.

Furthermore, Hanna notes that US warships are formidable targets, equipped with advanced, multi-layered air defense systems and sophisticated protection technologies. These defenses place such assets beyond the effective reach of Iran's immediate counter-strike capabilities.

Consequently, Hanna concludes that Iran's current deterrence strategy is built upon two primary pillars, emphasizing a calculated approach that balances risk and potential impact rather than engaging in high-risk direct assaults on heavily defended US naval assets.