CIA Director's Remarks on Iran and US Strategy in the Middle East

Mike Pompeo, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, described Iran as a very serious threat to US interests, stating that the Trump administration is making "fundamental changes" in Washington's policies towards Tehran and countering what he termed Iran's "expansionism." Mr. Pompeo spoke on July 20 at the annual "Aspen Security Forum," which includes security officials and intelligence experts. A significant portion of Mr. Pompeo's remarks also related to Iran, Russia, the Syrian crisis, and the relations between Moscow and Washington. This senior US intelligence official stated that the Trump administration has taken "fundamental changes" regarding Iran and countering what is termed "Iranian expansionism": "We have started, and in one of the first actions, the President of the United States is forming a coalition of Gulf [Arab] countries and Israel to find a common platform to push back against Iran's expansionism." He noted that these changes would be seen after the implementation of the new US strategy. Previously, Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, had stated at the end of April that Washington was in the process of a comprehensive review of its policies towards Iran. In response to a question about the formation of a "Shia crescent from Tehran to Beirut" and Israel's concerns about the impact of the Syrian ceasefire on increasing Tehran's influence at its borders, he referred to the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the situation in Yemen, and the Iran-backed militias in Iraq as examples of Iran's efforts to "dominate" the Middle East and the threats posed to US and Israeli interests. He stated, "Iran is increasing its influence in Syria and is currently trying to cross the border from Iraq and connect the two countries. [Iran] is a very serious threat to the United States." According to Pompeo, US interests are not limited to Syria, and a broader perspective is needed: "We must create conditions that lead to greater stability in the Middle East so that the US can also have greater security." Pompeo described Bashar al-Assad as a "puppet in the hands of the Iranians" and stated that it is very difficult to imagine that he will remain in power, Syria will achieve stability, and US interests will be well served. These remarks came a day after reports of the "halt of aid" from the agency headed by Mr. Pompeo to some rebels opposing Bashar al-Assad. On Wednesday, reports emerged that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, decided to end the CIA program to equip and train some rebel groups opposing the Assad regime. The Washington Post and Reuters, citing unnamed officials, reported that the US government's decision was made to show a willingness to cooperate with Russia in the Syrian crisis. The CIA Director described "Iran and ISIS" as America's enemies in Syria. He also stated that Russia is interested in staying in Syria because it gains access to warm waters and added that Moscow "loves to confront the US." In response to questions about relations between the two countries, the CIA Director stated that these relations are "complex." However, Pompeo emphasized his willingness to cooperate with Moscow in the fight against terrorism, which is even "part of his job duty." But in another part of his remarks, he stated that relations between Washington and Moscow are "complex" and that "Russia will look for any way to make our lives harder." Tehran has denied interference in the internal affairs of regional countries. Iran and Russia, as major supporters of Bashar al-Assad's government, claim they intervened in Syria at the request of the Syrian government, which has representation at the United Nations, and their goal is to "fight terrorism." The Syrian civil war began following a severe crackdown on largely peaceful protests against Assad's government. The Syrian President has stated that from his government's perspective, "anyone who takes up arms against it is a terrorist," and for this reason, Damascus and its allies often label any group they target as "terrorists." In a part of the Q&A session at the Aspen Forum, the CIA Director also addressed the nuclear agreement. Mike Pompeo stated, "The implementation of the nuclear agreement provides some peripheral benefits such as monitoring Iran's programs and reducing some centrifuges... but the challenge is that this agreement is short-term and cannot clarify all the capacities and actions that Iran is pursuing." He added, "This is what the new government is focusing on, not just regarding the nuclear program but on other issues related to Iran." The Trump administration confirmed last Monday, in the last hours before the 90-day deadline to report to Congress, that Tehran has adhered to the text of the nuclear agreement, although it has violated its spirit. Iran also made a similar accusation against the United States, stating that the US has acted against the spirit of the JCPOA. Two years have passed since the formation of the nuclear agreement during Barack Obama's presidency, with the participation of Iran, the US, and five global powers. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Pompeo were critics of the negotiations and the agreement that was reached. Mr. Obama, on the other hand, stated that this agreement has created greater security for the world.