JERUSALEM (AP) — America’s execution of Iran’s top general has shaken the Middle East, where Tehran and his allies have sworn revenge amid fears that war will break out. But while the Iranians have vast arsenals and are a short distance from The U.S. soldiers deployed in Syria, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf, they might prefer to be cautious before daring to launch an attack in retaliation that could unleash a much bigger conflict.
Friday’s attack could allow them to pause, showing them that U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to exercise his country’s military might in a drastic and unpredictable manner. The deceased general, Qassem Soleimani, was a prominent figure who mobilized militias across the region against the United States and its allies, extending Iran’s influence in the Mediterranean.
His death was a severe blow to Iran and caused from the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to lower-ranking officials to pledge reprisals.
“I’m sure there will be a reaction from Iran and the axis of resistance, but the question is where, when and how it will be,” said Ibrahim Bayram, analyst at Lebanon’s an-Nahar newspaper. “I think the Iranians are accurate and know how to deal with the coup.”
