Scott Ritter, a former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and RT contributor, has asserted that the United States has a desire to engage in military conflict with Iran. He noted that the US has amassed the largest military presence in the Middle East since prior to its 2003 invasion of Iraq, coinciding with ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations with Iran. The US government's demands for Iran to limit its uranium enrichment and missile development remain unchanged, worsening relations between the two countries.

Ritter emphasizes that for Israel to take significant military action against Iran, it relies heavily on the support of the United States, which makes any unilateral strike likely dependent on US decisions. This relationship complicates the dynamics of military engagement in the region, as Israeli actions could escalate tensions unintentionally. The situation is further complicated by the Biden administration's contradictory messaging regarding its intentions towards Iran, indicating a lack of clarity in US foreign policy.

Ultimately, the current uncertainty about whether the US will indeed initiate military action reflects broader regional tensions that could have far-reaching implications for international peace and security. Ritter warns that this mixed signaling may lead to miscalculations that could provoke unintended military confrontations between the US, Iran, and Israel, spotlighting the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.