"The Middle East Situation Enters a New and Dangerous Phase... Possibility of Iranian Retaliation"

As President Donald Trump ordered precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, concerns have arisen that this decision could greatly escalate tensions in the Middle East.

On the 21st (local time), Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), said in an interview with The New York Times, "This military operation marks a new phase in the Middle East situation, and potentially the start of a very dangerous period."

He assessed, "This airstrike is a humiliating event for the Iranian regime in every respect," adding, "Iran's political leadership will face strong internal sentiment for retaliation." He went on to say, "It's possible that there could be counterattacks targeting U.S. military bases or America's allies," and further diagnosed, "A response to suppress internal criticism and recover the regime's pride is inevitable."

Meanwhile, Republican figures in the U.S. Congress unanimously supported President Trump's decision. Rick Crawford, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement, "We have maintained close communication with the White House even before this operation," and evaluated, "Such precision strikes are a resolute response to protect the security of the United States and its allies." Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican Senator and known hardliner on Iran, also called the airstrike "the right decision" and voiced his full support.