Former Israeli Colonel Amir Noy Analyzes US Strategic Approach to Iran Amid Netanyahu's Washington Visit

Amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington and ongoing developments regarding Iran, retired Colonel Amir Noy, former commander of the security coordination cell with the US military and a security analyst, cautions against placing too much weight on conflicting statements from the White House. He emphasizes that the US approach toward Iran is part of a broad, strategic plan combining military, economic, and diplomatic measures rather than a series of spontaneous reactions.

Noy explains that the apparent contradictions in US declarations about potential military strikes are deliberate components of this wider strategic effort led by Washington in the region. He outlines three simultaneous US operational tracks against Iran: military, economic, and diplomatic. According to Noy, whenever Iran deviates from diplomatic channels, the US reverts to military pressure, a pattern he expects to continue in the near future.

Regarding US objectives, Noy believes the ultimate goal is a significant regime change in Iran. Beyond concerns about Iran's nuclear program, the US also aims to curtail Iran's ballistic missile capabilities to reduce threats to the Middle East. He notes that Gulf states are reluctant to see broad escalation due to potential severe damage but anticipates that confronting Iran militarily will become unavoidable.

Noy also highlights regional security dynamics, warning that Sunni jihadist Islam poses threats comparable to Shiite jihadism. He identifies Turkey and Qatar as key countries warranting close attention, noting their coordinated interests and Qatar's reliance on Turkey for military protection due to its smaller size. Additionally, he points to Egypt's military buildup as a factor that Israel is monitoring carefully.