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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Slugfest in the Middle East
Listen to article Slugfest, yes; but of no ordinary consequences. It will take the world to keep it contained. Iran in the western construct is Middle East, not West Asia, and it is important to note. It comes under the geographical responsibility of US Central Command that oversees the Middle East. Israel too is a part as is Pakistan on its eastern most boundary. Nothing moves in the US CENTCOM AOR without its consent or at least without its notice. To imagine anything else is naïve. That is why the CENTCOM was created with its forward Headquarters conveniently placed in Al Udeid in Doha, Qatar. General Kurilla, the CENTCOM Chief, knows it all. Dial back a few weeks. President Trump wanted a 'deal' with Iran on the Nuclear Enrichment issue. Iran too wanted to settle now that a more aggressive administration was in power in Washington with its own peculiar worldview and willingness to support Israel to establish its dominance over the Middle East. For the more pliable wary of Israeli prowess there exist the Abraham Accords to help secure their future for Israel's acceptability only if Iran, the remaining stumbling block, could be subdued. The Houthis in Yemen would then easily acquiesce too. Iran's aspiration to be a nuclear power was already established. Agreement with the P5+1 had laid limits on Iran's ambition (Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty). But then Trump chose to dump the Agreement in 2018, three years after the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was first signed. It opened the space for Iran to pursue its nuclear enrichment programme at its own pace. The IAEA could visit to inspect if Iran was complying to the limits of enrichment levels and the stockpiled enriched uranium. Iran though built in greater ambiguity. It is said that Iran moved significantly ahead of its below-5 per cent limit on enrichment under the Agreement and held a significantly higher value of stockpiled enriched uranium than stipulated. In 2023 it was reported that Iran had enriched up to and over 83 per cent level. It was barely short of the magical 90 per cent mark to turn into a weapon. Trump in his second term, aware of the leeway the US exit had afforded Iran, sought an immediate renegotiation of the deal to rein Iran in. Implicitly he may have had in mind to reinforce his credentials of a deal and a peacemaker before the Alfred Nobel Committee. Israel did not seem to agree nor did some from within Trump's team. Donald Trump's was the stated position. More likely it left space for its partner, Israel, to eliminate or at the least significantly degrade Iran's nuclear programme as a living and present danger to Israel's long-term health and security. Iran had/has two major nuclear enrichment facilities, one at Natanz, that Israel struck with some effect in the ongoing war with Iran, and at Fordow near Qom, which is far more sophisticated and secure where enrichment levels are suspected to have been breached. When Iran was reluctant to enter negotiations, Trump declared a sixty-day window for Iran to agree to a deal proposed by the US, else the cost to Iran would be heavy and unbearable in military terms. Five rounds down and sixth on the anvil when it was more than likely that Iran was coming around to agree on most terms, Israel attacked Iran. It was the sixty-first day from the day Trump had announced the window of opportunity. Coincidence? Or a well deliberated execution? I don't think it needs much thought. What has followed since June 13 has been a conflagration ready to envelop the whole region unless handled with care. Both sides rain missiles on each other and wreak untold pain and misery. Soon, civilian populations will be the victims to test and breach their threshold of tolerance and of the two societies and their political masters. In a slugfest, one who can absorb more is usually the one to prevail. Mohammad Ali, the late Boxing Champion, perfected this art and established a psychological edge over his opponent by inviting him to give him body blows. The national character of Iran and its thousands of years of civilisational history and the size of its population hold it in better stead than Israel which is still young as a nation even if it boasts of a history of suffering over centuries. In the Iranian character, death is celebrated albeit with remorse; in the Israeli experience suffering and victimhood is emphasised to gain empathy. These two characteristics will hugely define the ultimate victor in the civilisational sense. Either Iran will now run out of its missiles or Israel will breach its threshold of pain. Each may be the first sign for that side to find accommodation or exhaust itself to desperate resort. How might Iran's nuclear programmes be affected will depend on the damage the programme suffers, possibly delaying the timeline for weaponising its ability – an important Israel-US aim for this war. Negotiations will surely follow when the war finally ends but how much Iran may give to the US will depend on how Iran has fared in the war in perceptions and in real terms. If Iran seems to have held her line resolutely the regime and the ongoing system in power will sustain and survive – it can surely outrun Israel in this madmen race. Or if the US offers it a chance for peace on terms that may save the regime and buy time and keep foundations of Iran's nuclear programme, Iran may take that route. It would be prudent in a long game. It will also save the region from chaos, uncertainty and falling dominoes which are sure to follow. Regime change, the deeper or implicit political objective, is a more complicated and extended effect of the war and where might it first happen, Iran or Israel, is moot. What is of essence here is that Israel and its supporters are now loudly calling for the US to intervene on Israel's behalf; that Israel with its existing capacity cannot complete the mission of eliminating Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's resilience and unexpectedly ferocious response on an overly sensitive Israeli psyche to the losses amidst their population centers is the key to shout for the patron to come to the rescue. Israel stands exposed with its civilisational inadequacies. This is Iran's great achievement. Similarly, were Trump to jump in and directly attack Iranian assets it shall not only be an act of desperation but will also puncture Trump's long held position of withdrawing from forever wars. Iraq is what he always refers to as an example. Iran will still survive despite Fordow but what carnage may ensue at the US installations in the Middle East will only expand, engorge and envelop all the Middle East which will be rendered chaotic, explosive and uncontrollable for years to come. Iraq, Libya and Syria stand as sorry examples of such ill-thought adventurism. More likely better sense will prevail despite Netanyahu's Israel.
New York Post
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Meet the muscular military man influencing Trump's Iran strategy as president weighs crucial decision
WASHINGTON — President Trump's Iran strategy is being influenced by a muscular military leader who has been given authority to draw up possible plans for a US strike on Tehran's nuclear sites, potentially with bunker-busting bombs that could eliminate underground facilities. US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, known as 'The Gorilla,' has been leading strategy over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with a lot of his proposals for more military assets being approved, despite other administration officials being wary of more involvement in the Middle East, Politico reported. The commander, described by at least one former official as a 'jacked' general with the 'lethality look' that Trump's Pentagon has been keen to promote, has also been getting more face time with Trump, according to the outlet. Advertisement 'Secretary Hegseth empowers all of his combatant commanders the same way—by decentralizing command and harnessing their real-world expertise regarding the defense of their respective AORs,' Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to The Post. 'The entire DOD leadership team—from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy—similarly provide courses of action and counsel to the Secretary based on their expertise,' Parnell added. 3 Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command, testifies during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S. Central Command. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Advertisement 'The Secretary then makes a decision and final recommendation to the President. This is how the Pentagon does, and should, function. Our senior leaders are in lockstep and will continue to work in unison to deliver on President Trump's national security agenda.' Before Israel carried out its first strikes against Iran, Kurilla indicated that he gave the president the option to use the US military to strike Iran to destroy its nuclear weapons capability. 'President Trump has made it clear that if Iran doesn't permanently give up its nuclear enrichment, military force by the US may be necessary,' said House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers at a June 10 Congressional hearing. 'If the president directed, is CENTCOM prepared to respond with overwhelming force to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran?' Rogers asked Kurilla. Advertisement 'I have provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of options,' Kurilla responded, later saying 'yes' to the question. Kurilla is set to leave his post at CENTCOM in just a few months after serving since 2022, leading some to believe he's grown bolder in his approach. 3 Trump hasn't ruled out getting the US military involved in Iran. AP 3 An excavator removes debris from a residential building that was destroyed in today's attack by Israel in Tehran, on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Getty Images Advertisement The four-star Army general would be in charge of carrying out whatever strategy Trump decides on in the region in response to Iran and has also been responsible for the US response to Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Kurilla deployed to Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan during his service and deployed to Germany in 2022 to oversee US troop deployment in response to the Russia-Ukraine war. Dan Caldwell, Hegseth's former senior adviser, indicated that reports of Kurilla being more open to aggressive policies due to his upcoming retirement from CENTCOM could be true. 'It's been reported, and, you know, based on my experience with him, is that he takes a fundamentally different view of the importance of the Middle East than a lot of other people in the administration,' Caldwell said in a 'Breaking Points' interview on Monday. 'He also, I think, believes that a military campaign against Iran will not be as costly as others. So, that's his view — and I think there are a lot of folks that want to see some type of military action occur before he retires as a result of that,' he said. 'He retires, I believe, in the middle of July — and I don't think it's a coincidence you see a lot of the pressure ramping up to do something prior to his retirement.'
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Meet Michael Erik Kurilla, US General known as 'Gorilla', who is handling West Asia crisis
General Michael Erik Kurilla is handling the US' plans for the crisis in West Asia. The four-star general, nicknamed 'Gorilla', for his physique, has been overriding decisions from his seniors at the Pentagon with the backing of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth read more Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla is handling the US' response to the West Asia crisis. Reuters A four-star general nicknamed 'Gorilla' is handling the US' plans for the West Asia crisis. Though one would expect US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to handle the matter, he has instead delegated power to General Michael Erik Kurilla. So much so that Kurilla is actually overriding decisions from senior members of the Pentagon. But who is Kurilla? What do we know about his handling of the crisis in West Asia? Let's take a closer look: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is he? Kurilla hails from Minnesota's Elk River. He is known as 'Gorilla' because of his physique. Read Israel Iran conflict live updates Kurilla graduated from West Point's United States Military Academy with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. He also has an MBA from Regis University and a MS in National Security Studies from the National War College. Kurilla joined the infantry in 1988. General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla , Commander of U.S. Central Command. Reuters He has seen action in several countries including Panama, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. From 2004 to 2014, Kurilla led conventional and special operations forces in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility. He has been awarded several honours including Bronze Star in 2005 and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. Kurilla was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his troops in the battle after being shot thrice. Kurilla was investigated by the US army last year for allegedly shoving a service member while being on a trip to West Asia. General Kurilla is married to Mary Paige. They have two daughters. How is he directing the US' plans? Kurilla has been Chief of Staff of CENTCOM, the combatant command in the Middle East and Central Asia, since April 2022. CENTCOM is the US military's top body in West Asia. Officials say Kurilla seems to get whatever he wants – from jet fighters to aircraft carriers – from Hegseth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pentagon sent a second aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, to West Asia this week. The Pentagon has already deployed F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s to the region. Kurilla, who is said to be a noted hawk on Iran, is close to Israel. In fact, Hegseth's deference to Kurilla is raising eyebrows around the Pentagon. Experts say much of it comes down to the fact that he looks the part – which is particularly important to both Trump and Hegseth. 'He's got the look of the general that both Hegseth and Trump are looking for,' an ex-official told Politico. 'He's a big dude, he's jacked, he's exactly this 'lethality' look they're going for.' An F-35 fighter jet on the deck of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington. (Photo: AP) 'If the senior military guys come across as tough and warfighters, Hegseth is easily persuaded to their point of view,' the former official added. Kurilla 'has been very good at getting what he wants.' Kurilla has frequently a rgued against the recommendations of his superiors Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Caine and Colby have urged caution when dealing with the situation in West Asia. 'He's extremely strategic and persuasive about what CENTCOM can do given adequate resources,' Dan Shapiro, who until January was the Pentagon's top West Asia policy official, told the outlet. 'That was certainly true in the Biden administration. It may be more true now.' Kurilla earlier this month told the US Congress that he offered President Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth a 'wide range' of military options in case talks with Iran don't pan out. With inputs from agenices
The Wire
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
US Behaviour 'Boosts Pakistan's Global Image, Helps it Come in From the Cold': Nirupama Rao
New Delhi: India's former foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, has said that America's recent behaviour will help 'boost Pakistan's global image and it helps Pakistan to come in from the cold.'Speaking in an interview with Karan Thapar for The Wire, she said this while referring to statements by General Michael Kurilla, the head of the US Army's Central Command, to the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee that Pakistan is 'a phenomenal partner in the counter-terrorism world'.She was also referring to General Kurilla's praise for Pakistan's Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's role in handing over ISIS-Khorasan terrorists to America and the invitation the Field Marshal has received to attend the 250th US Army Day celebrations on Saturday .Rao, who has also served as India's ambassador to the US, said, 'Pakistan will cleverly leverage US appreciation to gain diplomatic advantage for itself'. Speaking on General Kurilla's claim that Pakistan is 'a phenomenal partner', Rao said this was a case of 'American amnesia on the whole role Pakistan has played when it comes to terror.'She added, 'That's an unfortunate reality United States has overlooked.'
The Hill
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Who is US Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla, key player in Iran, Israel clashes?
US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Erik Kurilla has become a key player in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. As CENTCOM chief, Kurilla leads the U.S. military command in the Middle East — a region that has taken outsized importance in recent days as President Trump weighs whether to join Israel in striking Iran to deal a permanent blow to its nuclear program. Kurilla — who oversees military missions throughout the 21-country region — would lead any operation that Trump orders targeting Iran. Kurilla has been briefing the president on the situation unfolding in the Middle East. In a Congressional hearing on June 10 — days before Israel initiated strikes on Iran — Kurilla told lawmakers that he presented Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with a 'wide range' of military options to pursue if nuclear talks with Iran go sideways. 'President Trump has made it clear that if Iran doesn't permanently give up its nuclear enrichment, military force by the U.S. may be necessary. If the president directed, is CENTCOM prepared to respond with overwhelming force to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran?' House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) asked Kurilla. 'I have provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of options,' Kurilla responded during the House Armed Services hearing. 'I take that as a yes,' Rogers said. 'Yes,' Kurilla responded. Kurilla, a four-star Army general, has been in the position since April 2022 and is set to step down in the coming months. He oversaw U.S. military support for Israel in the aftermath of Oct. 7, 2023, and traveled numerous times to the region. Reports have suggested that he supports increased U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict and that he has significant influence in the decision-making circles. Dan Caldwell, Hegseth's former senior adviser at the Pentagon, nodded to the reporting in an interview on 'Breaking Points' on Monday, suggesting Kurilla's looming retirement could be contributing to the sense of urgency to take military action. 'It's been reported, and, you know, based on my experience with him, is that he takes a fundamentally different view of the importance of the Middle East than a lot of other people in the administration,' Caldwell said. 'He also, I think, believes that a military campaign against Iran will not be as costly as others. So, that's his view. And I think there are a lot of folks that want to see some type of military action occur before he retires as a result of that,' he continued. 'So, he retires, I believe, in the middle of July. And I don't think it's a coincidence you see a lot of the pressure ramping up to do something prior to his retirement,' Caldwell added.
