Is It So Surprising That The US Took Action Against Its Long-Time Enemy In Iran? (Daled Amos) ~ Elder Of Ziyon

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Is It So Surprising That The US Took Action Against Its Long-Time Enemy In Iran? (Daled Amos)

By Daled Amos

Israel's motivation in attacking Iran if pretty clear, even if people forget just how far back it goes and how long Israel has been expected to live with the threat of a nuclear Iran:

That's 20 years of the Iranian threat of nuclear annihilation.

But how about the US?

What justification does it have for getting involved?

There are suggestions that this is not America's fight and the US is just doing Israel's bidding.

Here are some reminders of why this is America's fight too:

o Iran Hostage Crisis (November 4, 1979 – January 20, 1981)

Backed by the Iranian government, Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage for 444 days. This was in violation of international law regarding diplomatic immunity.

o Beirut Barracks Bombing (October 23, 1983)

The Islamic Jihad Organization (not to be confused with the group Islamic Jihad), a precursor to Iran's proxy Hezbollah, conducted a suicide bombing on the US Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American servicemen. This was part of Iran’s support for proxy groups targeting U.S. forces during the Lebanese Civil War. The US State Department designated Iran a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984.

o Kidnapping and Murder of CIA Station Chief William Buckley (March 16, 1984)

The Islamic Jihad Organization, with Iranian backing, kidnapped and tortured CIA station chief William Buckley in Beirut, Lebanon. He was killed after 15 months in captivity. This was part of a series of hostage takings targeting US personnel.

o Khobar Towers Bombing (June 25, 1996)

Iran-backed Hezbollah Al-Hejaz carried out a truck bombing at the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. servicemen and injuring 498 others. The attack targeted U.S. military personnel stationed in the region.

o Kidnapping of FBI Agent Robert Levinson (March 9, 2007)

Robert Levinson was kidnapped on Kish Island, Iran. Iran denied responsibility, but evidence suggests Iranian intelligence was involved.

o Support for IED Attacks in Iraq (2003–2011)

EFPs, attributed to Iran’s Quds Force led by Qassem Soleimani, killed 196 U.S. troops and injured 861 between 2005 and 2011. It notes the sophistication of EFPs, requiring precise machining, and their use by Iranian-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah.

o Attempted Assassination Plot on U.S. Soil (October 2011)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) planned to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in Washington, D.C., using a bomb at a restaurant. The plot was foiled by U.S. authorities.

o Capture of U.S. Sailors in the Persian Gulf (January 12, 2016)

Iranian forces detained 10 U.S. Navy sailors after their boats drifted into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf. The sailors were released after 15 hours, but the incident was seen as a provocative act.

o Attacks on U.S. Bases in Iraq and Syria (October 2023 – February 2024)

Iran-backed militias conducted over 200 drone and rocket attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria, protesting U.S. support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. These attacks caused injuries but no U.S. fatalities.

For decades, Iran has been chanting, "Death to America!"