PNN – Referring to the US military movements in the Persian Gulf, the Hong Kong-based Asia Times stressed that military pressure against Iran could backfire and increase the country’s internal cohesion. The media outlet stressed the need for restraint and the use of diplomatic solutions to manage tensions in the region.
The Asia Times magazine wrote in an article referring to Washington’s policies against Tehran: Rather than being a sign of readiness for war, US military movements in the Persian Gulf can be assessed within the context of high-risk conditions related to concerns about instability in the energy market and America’s erosive strategic competition with China.
This Hong Kong publication stated: Reports of an increased US naval presence in the Persian Gulf have raised speculation about Washington’s preparations for another war in West Asia, but what is happening in practice looks more like a risky policy of deterrence than preparation for war.
Asia Times, referring to the political history of US President Donald Trump, wrote: His electoral appeal in 2016 and 2024 was based on the promise of ending “eternal wars” and avoiding costly foreign interventions.
The publication emphasizes: Iran is a prime example of a war in which any conflict would be long and costly, and in which it would be extremely difficult to achieve a decisive victory; an issue that contradicts the logic of Trump’s foreign policy narrative.
Asia Times also emphasized: Comparing Tehran to Baghdad in 2003 is misleading, as Iran is larger, more populous, and more cohesive, and would be militarily better prepared for a prolonged confrontation.
Asia Times added: The opportunity cost of these conflicts is also significant, and while the United States has been engaged in attrition operations, powers like China and India have focused on developing infrastructure, technology, and long-term economic growth.
The Hong Kong media outlet clarifies: Global competition is not only military, but also technological and economic, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and strategic technologies, and a sustained conflict in West Asia could weaken US resources at a time when strategic focus is needed.
Asia Times emphasized in another part of the report: Politically, military pressure can also have the opposite effect, and external threats can strengthen internal cohesion in Iran.
The publication concluded by referring to the risk of an unwanted escalation of tensions and wrote: The greatest risk lies not in a conscious decision for war, but in miscalculation and an unwanted escalation of tensions, and avoiding this path requires restraint and diplomacy.