Balancing the Middle East: The United States’ Strategic Ambiguity in the Iran-Israel Conflict
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55559/ijchss.v2i1.14Keywords:
Strategic Ambiguity, U.S. Foreign Policy, Iran-Israel Conflict, Nuclear Diplomacy, Middle East Security, Alliance ManagementAbstract
This study explores the application of strategic ambiguity by the United States in dealing with Iran-Israel dispute, especially nuclear diplomacy and regional security. The U.S. has been in an uncompromising security alliance with Israel but at the same time, it has been conducting diplomatic talks with Iran including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The study explores how past administrations of the United States have juggled this fine line using a qualitative approach and policy analysis that has seen to it that succeeding administrations have sent both welcoming and threatening signals to their allies and foes. Results indicate that strategic ambiguity has helped in providing flexibility in the short term but has also helped encourage mistrust, regional build up, and uncertainty in the credibility of the U.S. foreign policy. The paper states that although ambiguity has been cannibalized to fulfill some tactical ends, in the circumstances of changing geopolitical forces, it is not sustainable in the long run. The study highlights that a rebalanced approach, which balances transparency with regional stability and non-proliferation, is necessary.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Kabeer Garba, Jibrin Hussaini Abubakar (Author)
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