Former US ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood said US-Iran diplomatic efforts have
run their course and that Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping show a
discernible pattern. He said at least two strikes targeted Qatari vessels or
ships carrying Qatari oil and LNG, and that many attacks appear aimed at Gulf
states rather than the United States. Hood added US bases in the Gulf are mainly
for training and exercises with few exposed personnel or equipment, and that the
strikes are a deliberate signal to Gulf countries, especially mediators, to
align with Tehran.
