If the U.S. is serious about reducing its presence in the Middle East while confronting an every-more-threatening China, restraining Russia, and maintaining its global leadership, it must show its willingness to take military action. Thus argues Efraim Inbar, who fears American credibility being diminished across the globe. The threat of a nuclear Iran, he concludes, might provide an opportunity to restore some of that credibility:
The U.S. can rebuild its superpower status by demonstrating its determination to use military force to pursue its national interests when necessary. The place to take a stand and change the impression of a weakened U.S. is with Iran.
The Biden administration seeks a compromise in a new [nuclear] deal with Tehran. However, it ignores the fact that Iran is determined to progress on the nuclear path and continue circumventing sanctions. Its survival depends upon achieving this goal. North Korea is its model. Iran perceives the U.S. as weakened, not having the guts to use force if needed. Therefore, Tehran humiliated Washington by excluding its presence in the ongoing talks and employing delay tactics to draw out the process.
There are times in international relations when the military option may be the only one left. Washington declared its strong opposition to an Iranian nuclear bomb. Its European allies back this position. Even Russia and China have no interest in seeing Tehran go nuclear.
Washington must instill fear in the hearts of its enemies if it is to leave the Middle East with as little damage as possible to U.S. standing and security. The American military still has enough punch to punish regional opponents and to generate fear if necessary. There may come a time soon when the Biden administration has to demonstrate a willingness to use force with Iran, to send a clear message that America is still serious about being a superpower.
Read more on Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security: https://jiss.org.il/en/inbar-is-it-time-for-biden-to-demonstrate-force-with-iran/