A former CIA officer has shared his insights on what he perceives as the underlying reason behind the recent military actions taken by US President Donald Trump against Iran. On February 28, the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran as part of a campaign to remove the Islamic Republic from power, yet the conflict has extended into its 12th day with no clear resolution in sight.
These strikes have triggered retaliatory actions in the Gulf region, impacting countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and Cyprus. The US-led Operation Epic Fury has led to a spike in oil prices and a new conflict front emerging in Lebanon.
Following the death of his father in Tehran, Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of Iran’s supreme leader. Despite Trump’s claims of Iran posing a direct threat to the US and its allies, doubts persist regarding the true motivations driving the war.
Former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante, now hosting the EverydaySpy podcast, was recently questioned about the real motives behind the conflict with Iran. He highlighted the annual national threat assessment produced by the CIA and other agencies, which influences the US Intelligence Community’s evaluation of major threats to the country.
According to Andrew, public documents show discrepancies between the official assessments and the public narrative regarding Iran’s activities. He suggested that Trump’s actions might be driven by a desire to protect his personal legacy rather than his presidential legacy, emphasizing a need to project strength and power.
Furthermore, Andrew speculated that the US, recognizing its declining power, aims to secure victories and maintain influence through strategic actions. He indicated that the alliance with Israel serves to contain Iran’s influence in the region, reducing the need for extensive US involvement.
In conclusion, Andrew argued that the US strategically allies with countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan to manage Iran’s influence without risking significant resources or lives in distant conflicts.