War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says
‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.
By Katie Bo Williams
Senior National Security Correspondent
January 24, 2021 12:00 PM ET
ABOARD A MILITARY PLANE — Relations between the United States and Iran are in a “period of opportunity†following the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East said during his first swing into the region under the new administration.
U.S. Central Command’s Gen. Frank McKenzie confirmed that there were “heightened threat streams†from Iran during the months leading up to Biden’s election and inauguration, but said that the United States was able to maintain what he has long termed a “contested deterrence†during what has become increasingly clear was an unnerving and unpredictable moment.
“Our goal was to deter a war,†McKenzie told reporters traveling with him to the region.
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2021/01/war-avoided-biden-brings-opportunity-new-iran-relations-top-general-says/171594/
