During a webinar at the Middle East Institute on Wednesday, the commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), General Kenneth McKenzie stated that the killing of Qassem Soleimani has resulted in Iran’s deterrence from attacking American assets and allies in the Middle East.

“I think (killing Soleimani) has had a significant effect in establishing and reestablishing a rough form of deterrence in the theater,” Gen McKenzie said.

“Iran recognizes that we have the capability in the theater to make it very painful for them to launch a direct or indirect attack against either us or one of our partners or allies,” McKenzie added. “Right now, it is kind of quiet, but I think part of that is they’re still on their heels a little bit from January and I think they’re still sorting themselves out and what they want to do.”

After the tensions rose earlier this year following the sinking of several tankers by the Islamic Republic in the Persian Gulf and attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, and later the killing of Quds force commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, and additional damage done to the Islamic Republic from the Covid-19 pandemic, Gen McKenzie said he expects the Islamic Republic’s military to regroup and focus on trying to drive U.S. troops out of the region, but not just yet.