Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/3/us-moves-carrier-from-gulf-in-a-sign-of-ebbing-tensions
Recently, the Biden administrations withdrew an aircraft carrier from the Gulf, a clear effort to ease tensions with Iran. During the previous administration, the precarious relationship strained when the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed economic sanctions on Iran.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the Pentagon, explained that the aircraft carrier was relocated from the US military’s Central Command in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific Command Region. The new administration claimed they did not see convincing evidence for why the carrier needed to be kept in the Gulf, and assured the public they are mindful of the larger geostrategic picture. This decision to reduce military authority in the region may suggest that the new administration is taking steps towards a new grand strategy, perhaps one that resembles offshore balancing.
In early January the United States reversed the original decision to bring the aircraft carrier back to the US, following Iran’s provocative actions. Iran conducted multiple military exercises and war games for several weeks. These mock-ups can be clearly seen as a display of military strength and an attempt to send the message that Tehran is not a pushover.
It is important to observe these events with the understanding of the heightened tensions between Iran and the Western powers, who have condemned Iran for breaching the agreements of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has taken large steps necessary for developing chemical bombs, although the state has denied all accusations of having that intent.
US and Iranian relations are confusing and the path forward is unclear. While the US wants Iran to respect the conditions of the 2015 nuclear deal, it is unclear if the reentering the deal would result in Iran respecting the conditions of the agreement. Nonetheless, Tehran is demanding that the sanctions be lifted before talks can resume. Lifting sanctions would help take strain off of Iran’s economy and allow it to take steps towards economic security.
It is interesting how the relocation of one military asset has the power to loosen tensions between two states and influence their relationship. With the relocation of the aircraft carrier and the reduction of US influence in the region, Iran has the opportunity to gain more authority.