Andrew L. Fono is a partner leading the Iraq practice group of the international law firm of Haynes and Boone, LLP. As a Lt. Colonel in the US Marine Corps, Andrew spent considerable time in Iraq as a judge advocate, and was also involved in Rule of Law and domestic legal developments in the Iraqi judiciary. [email protected]
US Military Posture and Strike Options Against Iran
On January 14, as the Iranian regime brutally cracked down on the largest street protests the country had seen in years, US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to persevere, posting on social media “help is on its way.” At the time, however, limited US military resources in the theater constrained the president’s military options.
In the ensuing month since Trump’s post, the Pentagon has repositioned significant forces to the Middle East. This has led to wide speculation that the US is preparing for renewed strikes on Iran even as the Trump administration pursues diplomatic talks with the Iranian regime.
To better understand the military planning and force posture dynamics shaping US policy choices, this briefing featured two Distinguished Military Fellows, former commander of the 5th Fleet VADM Kevin Donegan, USN (Ret.), and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Mick Mulroy. MEI Senior Fellow Jason Campbell moderated the discussion.
