The US will remain focused on containing China in the Indo-Pacific, despite short-term deployment distractions caused by its direct involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, according to analysts.
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US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the American military had “totally obliterated” three of Iran’s nuclear sites, making Washington a direct participant in Israel’s conflict with its long-time regional rival.
Before the strikes, the United States had repositioned forces for the conflict, including shifting assets away from the Indo-Pacific.
Last week, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz cancelled a planned port call in Vietnam to support the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group in the Middle East.
The redeployment of the Nimitz is the fourth of its kind in the past year, prompting caution from Taiwan, which relies heavily on the US military presence in the region to deter the People’s Liberation Army.
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Trump announces US attack on Iran nuclear sites
Trump announces US attack on Iran nuclear sites
Observers said that while the decision to strike Iran expanded US military engagement in Middle Eastern warfare, Washington had pledged repeatedly to keep the main focus of strategic resources on China.