What is the common denominator between the current situation in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen? Simply put, it is intervention of Iran; which, in all three cases, has been brought about by the chaos that exists in those countries.

Amid escalating Iranian threats and attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities, shipping, and a $110 million US drone, one would expect America to be strengthening its military presence in the Gulf.

The Gulf is facing two unresolved battles: Preventing Iran from exporting most of its oil, and attacking Saudi oil facilities.

With assaults, tanker hijackings, threats to navigation and drone attacks, it is not easy to keep your cool in such a tense atmosphere, but this is the game and its rules of play. What is happening in the Gulf is a battle of nerves.

All possibilities exist when we consider the prospect of a military clash with Iran. It might be widespread, or limited to a targeted response to the recent attacks — or it might not happen at all.