In a recent discussion, retired General Frank McKenzie, former commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), reflected on pivotal military decisions during his tenure, particularly the controversial strike against Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in December 2019. McKenzie, who has authored a new book titled \"The Melting Point: High Command in War in the 21st Century,\" emphasized the strategic rationale behind the decision to eliminate Soleimani, who was believed to be orchestrating imminent attacks on U.S. embassies in the region.

During the interview, McKenzie recounted the intelligence that indicated Soleimani's presence in Baghdad and his plans to coordinate assaults against American interests. He articulated a critical assessment of the situation, stating that the risks of inaction outweighed those of action. \"If we didn't act, certainly, Americans would die,\" he noted, highlighting the urgency of the decision-making process at that time.

The discussion also touched on the broader context of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, where approximately 70,000 troops are stationed across a region that has historically been one of the most active for U.S. forces. McKenzie’s insights provide a glimpse into the complexities of military leadership and the high-stakes environment that characterized U.S. operations in the region during his command.