US National Security Advisor: The Time for Action Against Iran Has Come

On Saturday, February 17, the US National Security Advisor accused Iran of establishing and arming powerful proxy networks in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq that could act against the governments of these countries. Herbert McMaster, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, added: "What is particularly concerning is that Iran is reaching these proxy groups more every day, and they are gaining more power every day." He stated that the Islamic Republic provides destructive weapons to these networks, emphasizing: "In our view, the time for action against Iran has come." Iran has not yet responded to the remarks of this senior US official, but has previously described its military presence in the region as "advisory" while denying the supply of weapons to some of its supported groups. This comes as the US, especially since Donald Trump's administration, has expressed concern about Iran's "destructive and destabilizing actions" in the region. On Friday, British Prime Minister Theresa May, during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, emphasized that both countries share the US's concerns in this regard. In another part of his speech, the US National Security Advisor stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a tool for the "expansion of violence" for the Islamic Republic of Iran and that this regime uses institutions affiliated with the IRGC, such as Mahan Air, to spread violence. He called for the cessation of any trade with companies affiliated with the IRGC to maintain international security. Regarding the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, McMaster pointed out that despite the Syrian government's denials, public reports indicate that Damascus has used these weapons. He stated that it is time for the international community to hold the Syrian government accountable. He added: "Public narratives and released images clearly show that Assad's chemical weapons are still being used." The National Security Advisor specified that now is the time for all countries to hold the Syrian regime and its supporters accountable for their actions and to support the efforts of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. This American official did not specify which public narratives and images he was referring to. Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that if it is proven that chemical weapons were used against civilians in the Syrian war, "France will take action." The Assad government has repeatedly denied the use of chemical weapons, claiming it only targets rebels and armed militants. Relief and rescue groups, along with the United States, have recently accused Damascus of the continued use of chlorine gas as a weapon against civilians in Ghouta and Idlib. Earlier in February, Syrian government forces, supported by Russia and Iran, bombed these areas, which are the last major strongholds of the rebels. Diplomatic efforts to end this eight-year war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left millions displaced, have not been very successful. Another issue that the US National Security Advisor highlighted is North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, where he also called for global action against Pyongyang. McMaster emphasized: "We must pressure Kim's regime (Jong Un) and use all tools to ensure that this ruthless dictatorship cannot threaten the world with highly destructive weapons on the ground." He called on countries worldwide to cut military and trade ties with North Korea, stating: "Countries that refrain from these pressures and do not take steps in this regard are irresponsible and need to do more now." The United States has approved recent actions by South Korea regarding closer contacts between Seoul and Pyongyang, but still agrees with South Korea that pressure on North Korea should be increased to compel the country to end its nuclear program in negotiations. The outlook for negotiations between the parties has become more hopeful after months of tension over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Washington and Pyongyang leaders have expressed waves of threats and insults towards each other over the past year, and the UN Security Council has also intensified sanctions against North Korea several times.