USA: All countries should act against Iran's destabilizing activities in the region

Herbert McMaster, the National Security Advisor at the White House, called on all countries to act against Iran's "destabilizing" activities in Syria and the Middle East on Thursday, March 15. According to the Associated Press, McMaster, speaking at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, also stated that the US has "no immediate plans" to withdraw from Syria. He warned of "serious political-economic consequences" against Iran and Russia as allies of Bashar al-Assad in the country's civil war, which is entering its eighth year. McMaster did not specify the details of these "consequences" for the two main allies of the Syrian government but added that all civilized nations should hold Iran and Russia accountable for their criminal actions and the suffering they have inflicted on the Syrian people. He further stated that if Iran and Russia do not cease their "violence" in Syria and do not comply with UN Security Council resolutions, countries around the world must take action beyond issuing strongly worded resolutions against them. The National Security Advisor said it is time for Tehran and Moscow to be "politically and economically punished" for their actions in Syria, asserting that Assad and his supporters should not escape punishment. General McMaster emphasized that Iran is proliferating dangerous weapons throughout the Greater Middle East, fueling sectarian violence, and supporting proxy terrorist groups and militias like Hezbollah. He stressed that Iran's actions in Syria directly disrupt efforts to reduce tension and violence, defeat ISIS, and protect innocent civilians. He added that since 2012, Iran has provided over $16 billion to Bashar al-Assad's government and other proxy groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. General McMaster also stated that Iran aims to establish a permanent military foothold in Syria, which poses a threat to Israel, undermines US interests, and strengthens proxy terrorists and forces that Iran uses to weaken Arab countries and spread violence. The National Security Advisor insisted that we must not allow this to happen. All responsible countries must take action to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in Syria and the entire region. He reiterated that those who care about Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and all the people in the region must refrain from any cooperation with companies affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Sarah Sanders, the White House spokesperson, also mentioned the joint efforts of Herbert McMaster and President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russia. Previously, the US ambassador to the UN warned that if the Security Council does not act on Syria, Washington is "prepared to take action itself if necessary." Nikki Haley addressed the Security Council members, stating, "This is not an action we prefer, but it is an action we have taken in the past, and we are ready to do it again." She referred to the US missile strike on a Syrian airbase last year in response to the central government's chemical weapon attacks. In response, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces officially announced that Moscow would react to any military operations and missile attacks by the US in Syria. Valery Gerasimov stated that the Russian army would respond to the US attack on Syria and target any missile and weapon involved in these attacks. Regarding the so-called "destabilizing" actions of Iran in the Middle East, just two days ago, the US President stated that "behind every problem in the Middle East, Iran is present." Trump added that the US and its allies are trying to counter Iran's "support" for terrorism and bloodshed around the world. US officials accuse Iran of being the root of most problems in the Middle East, citing issues such as Iran's support for Bashar al-Assad's government in the Syrian civil war or military support for the Houthi Shiite rebels in the Yemeni civil war. The US still considers Iran the most prominent state sponsor of terrorism and accuses Tehran of providing advice, financial assistance, advanced equipment, and new tactics to "terrorist groups" across the Middle East. Tehran, on the other hand, has always rejected these accusations, deeming them "unfounded" or "malicious."