Former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood, stated that diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran have come to an end. Hood pointed out that Iranian attacks on merchant ships exhibit a certain pattern, with at least two attacks targeting Qatari vessels or ships carrying Qatari crude oil and liquefied natural gas. He stated, "Many of these attacks are not truly directed against the United States, but rather against Gulf states." Hood noted that U.S. military bases in the Gulf region are primarily used for training and exercises, with relatively few U.S. personnel or equipment actually deployed there, and even fewer in an exposed state. He said these Iranian attacks are "a signal to the Gulf states, especially to the mediators: in this conflict, you'd better be on our side now."
