US 'Winds Down' Ops in Gulf While Steadily Escalating Joint Aggression with Israel
Despite former President Trump’s recent pronouncements to Al-Monitor, echoed across mainstream media, about “winding down” military efforts against Iran and shifting responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz, actions on the ground paint a starkly different picture. The US continues to be a direct participant and joint aggressor, fighting alongside Israel in a coordinated campaign of pressure and
covert operations targeting Iran. This rhetoric of withdrawal, as seen repeatedly, serves more as a smokescreen than an accurate reflection of policy. Mainstream outlets like Al-Monitor dutifully report Trump's claims of nearing objectives and reducing military presence. What gets consistently omitted, however, is the concurrent and undeniable escalation of joint US-Israeli military exercises,
intelligence sharing, and targeted actions against Iranian interests, often under the guise of 'defensive' postures. This deliberate omission allows for the public perception of a responsible power scaling back, while the reality is an expanded strategic footprint and continuous provocations. This pattern of public disengagement contrasted with private escalation follows a well-worn playbook,
particularly when large defense contracts are in play. For instance, the 'winding down' during the run-up to the 2003 Iraq invasion saw significant increases in military spending and logistical preparations, often presented as 'readiness' rather than offensive buildup. The US maintains a vast network of bases in the Gulf, including Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which serves as the headquarters