Former congresswoman Jane Harman said the U.S. war in Iran has made every country in the Middle East a target [1].
The warning highlights a critical risk of regional escalation during a period of high tension. If the conflict spreads beyond the primary combatants, the stability of global energy markets, and international security frameworks could be compromised.
Harman, a former Democratic representative from California, discussed the situation in a recent interview with Bloomberg [1]. She said there is a "huge" danger of conflict spreading [1]. This expansion could draw in neighboring states that were previously neutral or peripherally involved in the hostilities.
Beyond the immediate tactical risks, Harman addressed the capacity of the United States to sustain prolonged engagements. She said the U.S. defense industrial base may not be prepared to address conflicts worldwide [1]. This suggests that the current pace of munitions consumption and equipment wear could outstrip the ability of domestic factories to replenish stocks.
The volatility of the region remains a primary concern for policymakers. The shift from a targeted conflict to a regional war would require a level of logistical and military readiness that Harman said is currently lacking [1].
“"The US war in Iran has made every country in the Middle East a target."”
The assessment suggests that the U.S. is facing a strategic mismatch between its foreign policy objectives in the Middle East and its actual industrial capacity. If the conflict escalates, the U.S. may find itself unable to provide the necessary material support to allies or maintain its own operational tempo, potentially emboldening adversaries in other global theaters.
