Former U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Lieutenant General Mark C. Schwartz, has warned of a likely Iranian response following recent airstrikes, emphasizing the uncertainty around how Tehran may retaliate, RKS News reports.
In an interview with the BBC, Schwartz said his greatest concern is for the safety of American troops stationed in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, rather than those in Bahrain and Kuwait.
He pointed out that Iran controls several proxy groups that could act on its behalf, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, a Shiite militia in Iraq designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2009, and the Houthis in Yemen, who are also seen as potential actors in a retaliation campaign.
“There are many military targets in Iran that Israel or the U.S. could strike if their forces are attacked,” Schwartz noted. “But ideally, we want all sides back at the negotiating table.”
His comments underline the fragile security situation in the region and the risk of escalation if Iran retaliates through direct or indirect means.
