General of the Beirut Center for Strategic Studies, Could Lead to the Gradual Decline of U.S. Influence in the Region and a Redefinition

The war between Iran and the United States is not merely a military confrontation between two countries; it could have far-reaching consequences for the security and political landscape of the Middle East, the future of U.S. military presence in the region, and Tehran's relations with Arab Gulf countries. As the continuation of the conflict seriously questions the region's previous security equations, the status of U.S. military bases, the extent of regional countries' reliance on Washington's support, and the future of existing alliances have come into sharper focus than ever. Simultaneously, economic pressures and sanctions have once again become one of America's main tools for exerting pressure on Iran; a tool that, alongside field developments in the war, could affect the region's economy and even international economic relations.

On the other hand, recent developments have raised the question of whether the balance of power in the region is changing, and whether Gulf countries are moving toward more independent security arrangements and different relations with Iran. In this regard, Talal Atrisi, a professor at the Lebanese University and Director General of the Beirut Center for Strategic Studies, in an interview with ABNA, elaborated on the various dimensions of the war file between Iran and the United States and Donald Trump's claim about imposing the toughest economic pressure on Iran. Atrisi stated, "The transfer of U.S. forces, military equipment, radars, and other vital systems from some Gulf countries to Jordan indicates confusion and bewilderment in assessing the nature of the conflict with the Islamic Republic.

This assessment confusion has become a topic of discussion among many American experts, who speak of a lack of clear objectives, failure to achieve results, and the absence of a specific or multi-stage plan. Atrisi added, "The transfer of forces to Jordan came after the United States was surprised by Iran's strong response to bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other locations. He said, "The United States believed that transferring these military assets to Jordan might go unnoticed by Iran or that Iran would not attack these bases in Jordan, but the opposite happened.

This shows that the experience of these forces and the killing of American soldiers has negatively affected the U.S. President and also disrupted and obscured American plans in this regard. The Lebanese University professor emphasized, "Therefore, it must be said that this action indicates a retreat, withdrawal, and a clear lack of planning regarding the nature of Iran's response, as well as a miscalculation about it. Of course, this action strengthens Iran's position, which took the initiative in attacking the bases in Jordan, and also relatively weakens America's position in the balance of power between the two sides, namely the United States and Iran. He continued, Without a doubt, reports about U.S. bases in the Middle East in general, and especially in the Gulf countries, have entered a new phase and, frankly, an inevitable situation.