Reuters: Proposal for Stricter Policies on Iran Presented to Trump

Reuters reports that U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster have presented a plan to President Donald Trump aimed at countering Iranian-backed forces and the country's missile program. According to the report on September 11, the plan was presented during a National Security Council meeting last Friday. One official involved in the discussions stated that almost all strategies presented to the U.S. President aim to keep the country in the nuclear agreement while increasing pressure on other issues. The officials indicated that the new plan, which may be decided upon by the end of September, seeks to increase pressure on Tehran to end its ballistic missile program and support for militia groups. The plan also includes other measures related to cyber sabotage and potentially regarding nuclear non-proliferation. Tehran has consistently emphasized that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian officials assert that their missile program is defensive and does not violate the nuclear agreement made between Tehran and six world powers. However, the U.S. considers these activities as actions that disregard the spirit of the nuclear agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In August, the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement with the U.S. calling for an end to ballistic missile tests. Reuters states that the new plan includes stricter U.S. actions to prevent the supply of weapons to groups such as the Houthi militants in Yemen and Palestinian groups in Gaza or the Sinai Desert. Iranian officials do not hide their verbal support for Houthi militants or some Palestinian groups but deny sending weapons to Yemen for groups like Hamas or other countries like Somalia, often describing it as 'scenario-making.' However, leaders of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah have stated that they receive practical support from Tehran. In Yemen, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia is combating the rebels. This coalition and its actions have faced protests from international human rights advocates, and at one point during the previous U.S. administration, Washington also reacted. Saudi Arabia and some of its allies currently have no diplomatic relations with Iran and have issued sharp warnings to each other on several occasions. In part of its exclusive report, Reuters quotes U.S. officials stating that another strict measure against Iran in the new plan concerns 'harassment of U.S. ships by IRGC boats' in the Persian Gulf. There have been multiple confrontations between IRGC boats and U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, which Washington claims are due to unprofessional and dangerous behavior from the Iranian side. Iran states that the approach of its boats in its coastal waters is intended to provide warnings. U.S. military officials have repeatedly warned of 'miscalculations' during these confrontations. U.S. ships have sometimes resorted to firing flares or warning shots, deploying helicopters, and similar actions. U.S. naval commanders are currently authorized to open fire if they believe their vessels or personnel are at risk. Sources involved in discussions with Reuters did not provide details of the proposed changes to the rules. The plan does not include an increase in U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria. National Security advisors to Donald Trump believe that further military actions against Iranian-backed groups in Syria or Iraq could complicate the U.S.-led coalition's battle against the group known as Islamic State, which is the primary focus of U.S. policy. Five officials involved in discussions with Reuters stated that Trump’s Defense Secretary and National Security Advisor, as well as commanders overseeing operations in the Middle East and special forces, have opposed allowing harsher military responses against provocations from the IRGC, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups. According to these officials, commanders and advisors are concerned that a harsher response could divert U.S. forces from their main goal of combating ISIS. One official also mentioned avoiding direct confrontation with Iran while U.S. forces are engaged in various locations, and the government has allowed only a slight increase in military personnel in Afghanistan. Additionally, a former U.S. official told Reuters that Hezbollah and Iranian-backed Shiite militias have been 'very useful' in reclaiming large areas from the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. However, there have been past confrontations between U.S.-backed militias and Iranian-backed militias. In June, U.S. air forces shot down two Iranian drones. In all cases, the U.S.-led coalition emphasized that the goal was to defend supported militias and coalition forces on the ground. Reuters reports that for Trump’s political advisors and strategists, the President’s opposition to the JCPOA has created a challenging situation. According to several U.S. officials, most national security advisors want the U.S. to remain in the JCPOA. One U.S. official stated, 'The main issue for us was that the President did not withdraw from the JCPOA. But he has a very strong feeling, supported by Nikki Haley (the U.S. ambassador to the UN), that stricter measures should be taken against Iran.' According to this official, 'almost all strategies presented to him (Donald Trump) were aimed at keeping the JCPOA intact while being flexible on other issues.' The nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers was reached two years ago. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, arising from this agreement, has halted extensive parts of Iran's nuclear program while lifting related sanctions. Tehran still faces other bans and sanctions, both internationally and from individual countries, concerning issues such as ballistic missile development or human rights violations.