If this were a boxing match, you’d say that the United States is trying to let Iran punch itself out. “It’s an international problem, it’s not a United States problem,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command, in an interview early Tuesday as he traveled here. The United States has been bolstering its already vast arsenal in the gulf but, thus far, hasn’t used it visibly. Tehran wants to break out of this straitjacket, but lacking diplomatic channels with the United States, it’s choosing to send messages through kinetic force. Iran has all but begged for a direct confrontation with the United States.

Source: Washington Post July 16, 2019 20:26 UTC