McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, and other military officials are trying to strike a balance between persuading Iran that the US is prepared to retaliate for an Iranian attack on Americans, thus deterring conflict, and pushing so much military muscle into the Gulf that Iran thinks the US is planning an attack, in which case it might feel compelled to strike preemptively and, thus, spark war.
McKenzie, Mkuu wa Kamandi Kuu ya Marekani, na maafisa wengine wa kijeshi wanajaribu kuweka usawa kati ya kuishawishi Iran kwamba Marekani iko tayari kulipiza kisasi shambulio la Irani dhidi ya Wamarekani, na hivyo kuzuia migogoro, na kusukuma misuli mingi ya kijeshi kwenye Ghuba. Iran inadhani Marekani inapanga mashambulizi, ambapo inaweza kuhisi kulazimishwa kushambulia kwa dharura na hivyo kuzua vita.