Even With An Iranian Nuclear Deal There Will Be No Change In U.S. Military Strategy In The Middle East

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) leads a formation through the waters of the Persian Gulf with the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F101) and the guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during Alvaro de Bazan’s departure from Carrier Strike Group Two (CSG-2). CSG-2 is currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Matthew Bash. December 3, 2005

U.S. Military Plans No Change In Mideast Strategy For Now -- Wall Street Journal

Officials Say More Time Is Needed to See What Comes of Interim Iran Deal

WASHINGTON—For a decade, the U.S. military posture in the Middle East has been largely defined by the potential need for a response to Iran—aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf, missile defense programs in Eastern Europe and arms sales to Arab allies among them.

Even with an interim agreement in place with Iran over its nuclear program, U.S. defense officials say they have no plans to alter their U.S. strategy or the muscular military presence around the Middle East.

"Our force posture has not changed, nor will it," Col. Steve Warren, the Pentagon spokesman, said this week.

The U.S. has long kept at least one aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike force in the Middle East, and officials said they would maintain that. The U.S. also has no plans to reduce its Army brigade in Kuwait nor a major air base in Qatar.

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My Comment: This is typical (and smart) military thinking .... hoping for the best .... preparing for the worst.