While the US and its allies are demanding that Iran curb its ballistic missile program, and Arab leaders warn the international community of the dangers of leaving Iran’s regional ambitions unchecked, little action has been taken to move forward on these issues.

Hegemony seems to be Iran’s goal in the Middle East. It has expanded its proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.

Despite numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions against such actions, the Al Houthis in Yemen are believed to be armed by Iran. The weapons are used against pro-government forces in Yemen. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is targeted by missiles fired by the Al Houthis. Most of these missiles have been successfully intercepted by the Saudis anti-missile technology. The ballistic missiles were fired at civilian-inhabited areas, like Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The intention was to cause the maximum number of casualties. Saudi foreign minister, Adel Jubair, declared, “We see this as an act of war,” in an interview on CNN. “Iran cannot lob missiles at Saudi cities and towns and expect us not to take steps.”

Iran denied the accusation, but independent U.N. experts monitoring the sanctions on Yemen reported to the Security Council they had “identified missile remnants, related military equipment and military unmanned aerial vehicles that are of Iranian origin and were brought into Yemen after the imposition of the targeted arms embargo.”

This is seen as disregard for international law by Iran, and many say it is something that can no longer be tolerated, as the nature of Al Houthi missile becomes more dangerous as the Al Houthis acquire more sophisticated weapons.

Recently, US President Trump nominated critics of the Iran nuclear deal to positions in his administration — Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State and John Bolton as National Security Adviser. This seems to bolster his threat to abandon the deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was reached in 2015, between Iran and United Nations Security Council members China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, plus Germany.

As well, according to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, a direct war with Iran is inevitable if Tehran’s mischief continues to go unchecked. War between Saudi Arabia and Iran will be disastrous for the region, and will have global repercussions.

Tehran’s ambition must be curtailed before it is too late.