In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the ongoing threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies, particularly in light of Iran's earlier attack on Israel. Experts expressed concerns that Iran has not been deterred from future aggression, viewing the initial attack as a test of Israel's defenses and the U.S. support network. They anticipate that Iran may reassess its strategies and potentially launch attacks elsewhere, as the geopolitical landscape remains volatile.

The meeting highlighted the significant role of Iranian support in arming groups like the Houthis, with officials noting that without Iranian funding and weaponry, the threat from the Houthis would be minimal. The Houthis have already engaged in hostilities against Israel, and experts predict they will continue to pose a threat, particularly to U.S. interests in the region.

A key point of discussion was the need for the U.S. to adopt a more assertive stance against Iran. Officials emphasized that if Iranian-backed attacks result in American casualties, the U.S. response should be directed at Iran itself. This could involve a range of military actions, signaling to Iran that there will be consequences for its actions.

Concerns were also raised about Iran's potential to develop nuclear weapons, which could embolden its regional ambitions and pose greater threats to U.S. allies, including Israel and Jordan. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing Iran's actions and the implications for international security.

Additionally, the dialogue touched on the complexities of U.S. oil sanctions against Iran and the challenges of enforcing them globally, particularly with major players like China and India. The discussion concluded with a call for increased support for democratic movements within Iran, suggesting that fostering internal change could be a long-term solution to the nuclear threat.

Overall, the meeting reflected a consensus on the need for a robust U.S. policy to counter Iranian influence and ensure regional stability, while also addressing the humanitarian impacts of ongoing conflicts exacerbated by Iranian actions.