Donald Trump’s statement yesterday evening, that a decision would be made within two weeks on whether to intervene, buys the US time not just politically but militarily as well, our military analyst Michael Clarke says.
He has just been speaking to Breakfast presenter Anna Jones.
Clarke says that Trump’s statement “gives himself some flexibility” and works well politically to avoid being bounced into a decision.
However, Clarke adds it was also important for military decisions as it opens up more options for the US.
He explains: “It makes sense in a way, for the Americans as a policy machine to give themselves a bit more time for military preparations.
“If there is going to be an American strike, backing in behind the Israeli operations, then it may not be a single strike, it may take a while, and it may lead to a bigger engagement, and that’s the great problem.
“So for the Americans, getting more stuff in place is quite important.”
He adds that diplomatic routes seem to bring the US “back to the 2015 deal” with Iran to control its nuclear production – the one Trump scrapped in his first term.
Watch Clarke’s full breakdown below: