Deploying Forces To Middle East ‘Sends Message’ To Iran, Says Ex-US General

(Alex Raufoglu – RFE/RL) Iran is using tactical delay as a strategy in talks to end US and Israeli strikes that have decimated Tehran’s military capabilities amid a continued buildup of US forces in the Middle East, retired US Army General Joseph L. Votel — who led US Central Command from 2016 to 2019 — told RFE/RL in an interview on March 30. Votel outlined the risks of escalation in the conflict and warned that without a political settlement to keep Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a prolonged international military presence might be required to keep the the key oil and gas transit route open. – Deploying Forces To Middle East ‘Sends Message’ To Iran, Says Ex-US General