‘Gorilla’ General Shapes Hegseth’s Iran Policy (Politico)

by Mark Thompson

WASHINGTON, 2025-06-18 09:55:00

The ‘Gorilla’ in the Room: A Hawkish General Shaping Iran Policy

A behind-the-scenes look at the key figures influencing U.S. strategy toward Iran.

  • A hawkish general is reportedly emerging as a key decision-maker on Iran.
  • The U.S. has multiple military options against Iran, including air strikes and cyber warfare.
  • B-52 bombers are seen as a strategic asset in potential conflicts.

As tensions with Iran continue to simmer, a key figure is quietly gaining influence in shaping U.S. policy: a hawkish general known as “the Gorilla.” This individual is reportedly becoming a central voice in decision-making, signaling a potential shift towards a more aggressive stance.

Did you know?-Gen. Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command chief, is reportedly overruling other top Pentagon officials on Iran policy, emerging as a key decision-maker.[[1]]

What military options does the U.S. have if it decides to strike Iran? The U.S. has a range of military options to consider when dealing with Iran, including air strikes, cyber warfare, and the use of special forces.

Military Maneuvers and Strategic Assets

the U.S. military has various tools at its disposal. For example, the B-52 bomber, is considered a strategic asset. These aircraft are designed for long-range missions and can carry a variety of conventional and nuclear weapons. The use of bunker-buster bombs is also under consideration, particularly those designed to penetrate hardened underground facilities.

Reader question:-How might a change in U.S. governance affect the current hawkish stance on iran? What are the potential implications for regional stability?

behind the Scenes: Influence and Strategy

While specific individuals may not be named, the influence of pro-Israel figures in the U.S. government is also a factor in shaping policy toward Iran. These figures often advocate for a firm approach, seeing Iran’s nuclear program as a important threat.

The International Response: Navigating the Nuclear Tightrope

The brewing tensions with Iran, as highlighted by the growing influence of hawkish figures in the U.S. government, like “the Gorilla,” are not occurring in a vacuum. A complete understanding of the situation also requires considering the roles of other international actors. Any potential escalation involving military strikes, cyber warfare, or the use of B-52 bombers has far-reaching implications well beyond the immediate combatants.

what roles do other countries play in the Iran situation? Various nations and international bodies are actively involved in diplomacy, sanctions, and intelligence gathering related to iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.

The ongoing global concern is primarily centered around Iran’s nuclear program and its adherence to the non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Recent reports suggest that Iran’s parliament may be considering a bill that could push them toward exiting the NPT, raising alarms internationally [[2]]. This potential move has the potential to dramatically change the landscape, impacting existing diplomatic efforts and causing further instability.

european Union and the JCPOA

The European Union (EU) has played a key role in the Joint comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the iran nuclear deal. The aim of the JCPOA was to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 created a crisis. The EU continues to advocate for a return to the deal, but this is an uphill battle.

Considering the looming threat of Iran exiting the NPT,the EU’s diplomatic efforts have intensified. The EU, along with other international entities, is exploring options to maintain dialog, offer incentives for compliance, and implement measures to deter Iran from further escalating its nuclear activities.

Regional powers: Saudi Arabia and Israel

Other regional players, particularly Saudi Arabia and Israel, watch the situation closely and have played vital roles.

Both countries view Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a significant national security threat. they have been vocal in their criticism of Iran’s policies. Both have also been engaging in intelligence sharing.

China and Russia: Complex Dynamics

China and Russia have a complex dynamic with Iran. Both countries have maintained economic and diplomatic ties with Iran. They have also served to counter the impact of international sanctions.

However, both China and Russia have expressed concerns about the prospect nuclear proliferation. They have, at times, supported resolutions from the UN Security council. They have also been critical of unilateral actions taken by other nations.

united Nations: The Global Stage

The united Nations (UN) is the primary international forum for discussing Iran. The UN Security Council has been at the forefront of addressing the nuclear issue, passing resolutions and imposing sanctions. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear program.

What is the role of the UN in regulating Iran’s nuclear program? – The IAEA is the main body that monitors Iran’s nuclear activities, providing regular reports that inform international assessments and political decisions. The UN Security Council has the power to impose sanctions and take other measures should Iran fail to comply with international agreements

Key Takeaways:

  • International actors play diverse roles in the Iran situation, ranging from diplomacy and mediation to sanctions and military deterrence.
  • The potential of iran withdrawing from the NPT is a key area of anxiety for the international community.
  • Regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel, and global players like China and russia, have significant strategic stakes and influence.

The roles of various international actors continue to evolve according to regional developments and changes to Iranian policies. the diplomatic landscape concerning iran is complex and constantly changing, calling for a nuanced and informed approach to ensure regional stability and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing concerns.

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