Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, who previously commanded U.S. forces in the Middle East during both the Trump and Biden presidencies, has called on the current administration to respond more forcefully to the recent surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. McKenzie believes that the lack of a robust military response has given Iran and its proxies the impression that their aggressive actions will go unchecked.

McKenzie argues that not responding adequately to Tehran-backed Houthi attacks on civilian vessels could lead to a significant escalation and increased danger to both commercial and U.S. warships in the region. He emphasized that Iran views the absence of a strong response as an invitation to continue their provocative behavior.

The Houthi assaults on commercial shipping have increasingly drawn U.S. Navy warships into confrontations. Most recently, the destroyer USS Carney was engaged in a prolonged firefight and successfully intercepted three drones launched by Houthi forces. Similarly, the destroyer USS Mason intercepted another drone aimed at the ship.

However, top officials in the Biden administration, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have expressed caution about provoking Iran and escalating regional tensions. This approach has been motivated by concerns over sparking further conflicts in countries such as Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, where Iran backs various militant groups.

McKenzie argues that responding to the Houthis does not necessarily mean attacking Iran itself, as the Houthi position and Iranian agenda do not always align. He emphasized that Iran, despite its support for the Houthis, fears retaliation from Israel and does not want to escalate the conflict.

While the Biden administration aims to prevent a regional war, McKenzie asserts that a show of force is necessary to earn Iran's respect and deter further attacks. He warned against appearing feeble and giving the impression that Iran and its proxies can continue their aggression without consequences.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. does not seek to widen the conflict into a regional war and that any response is in self-defense. Singh indicated that additional naval assets have been deployed to the region as a deterrent and to ensure the safety of U.S. forces.

McKenzie's viewpoint is supported by other former senior U.S. military officials, such as retired Vice Adm. John Miller, who believes that the current response is inadequate and fails to deter Iran-backed proxies effectively.

There is ongoing debate within the U.S. military regarding the best course of action. Some officers argue that striking back at the Houthis is necessary to halt the attacks. McKenzie highlighted the missed opportunities in the past to demonstrate to Iran that their behavior would not be tolerated.

The potential for escalation extends beyond the Red Sea, as Iran-backed groups have been continuously attacking U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. While recent strikes have temporarily reduced violence, attacks have resumed. Iran pays close attention to the level of force used by the U.S., with McKenzie asserting that Iran understands and respects displays of strength.

Efforts are being made to enhance the safety of commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Biden administration is considering the formation of an international maritime task force, similar to the one established in 2019 to counter Iranian aggression in the Strait of Hormuz. This move would involve partnering with other nations to ensure the security of commercial maritime traffic in the region.

McKenzie supports the expansion of such a task force as an effective measure to deter further attacks. He believes that in conjunction with a clear signal to the Houthis that their actions will no longer be tolerated, it could contribute to a safer environment in the Red Sea.

As the debate over the appropriate response to Houthi attacks continues, the Biden administration faces the challenge of striking a balance between maintaining regional stability, deterring aggression, and protecting U.S. interests and allies.