Part 6/12:
Here lies the real motivation for the proposed strikes—the perception of losing diplomatic ground to Iran. Hegseth and fellow officials acknowledged that an immediate strike was crucial to maintaining leverage over Tehran, minimizing the Houthis' role and showcasing the consequential relationship between military action and diplomatic bargaining. In this light, the military actions were not merely about shipping concerns but were interwoven with a tense diplomatic strategy surrounding Iran's influence.