The dust is beginning to settle in the aftermath of the Jan. 8 Iranian ballistic missile attacks on two U.S. military bases in Iraq. With no reported casualties among U.S. personnel and Iran's indication that it has now concluded its military response to the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. strike, the door is open for the short-term de-escalation of the brewing confrontation between the two countries. The United States could yet decide to respond militarily to the Iranian attack on its bases, but with Washington seeking to avoid stumbling into a war with Iran, the lack of U.S. casualties makes it more politically feasible for the White House to opt for a nonmilitary response, such as additional sanctions.
