President Cruz sat in the situation room as his military aides started explaining what had occurred in Iran. The regime in Tehran apparently had a death wish, attacking one of their few friends or at least one of the few nations in the world that did not outright hate them. Whatever their reasoning Iran had just made a massive mistake. As the presentation was ended, President Cruz nodded his head before saying "I want the State Department to reach out covertly to the Russians to start looking into any possible joint response. I will have my office issue an official statement and I will place a call to President Navalny. I am also ordering the Nimitz and her strike group into the Persian Gulf and I want all US forces in the Middle East put to FPCON CHARLIE for the time being."
Turning to his CIA Director, Cruz continued by saying "I want us to work with any assets we have in the country to get a feeling on the Iranian people's thoughts on the downing of this plan. I also want us to step up satellite surveillance of the Iranian military and key infrastructure. I have a call with the Russian President after this and then we can go from there."
Offical Statment from the Office of the President of the United States
The recent downing of a Russian Airliner by the Rouge Iranian Regime is an act of horrific terrorism against the Russian Federation, her people, and all civilized people and nations around the world. We stand solidly behind our Russian friends and strongly condemn the Iranian Regime. This act clearly shows the danger that the current Iranian Regime is a danger to everyone in the global community. In response to their actions and in solidarity with our Russian friends, new and wide-sweeping sanctions and actions will be rolled out in the coming days.
President Cruz sat back in his chair behind the Resolute desk as he picked up the phone and asked to be connected to the Kremlin. Waiting for the line to go through, Cruz rehearsed his points in his mind.
President Navalny cleared his throat before picking up the phone. As soon as the click that indicated a connection had been made to the White House, he pulled out a notepad and pen to take notes of the conversation. This was a bit frivolous since the whole conversation would be recorded by a special phone tap for posterity.
Hearing the click President Cruz cleared his throat and said “President Navalny I just want to start by saying that the American people stand by our Russian friends during this time. The actions perpetrated by the regime in Tehran are horrific and inexcusable. I’m offering our assistance in any way we can going forward.”
"Thank you, President Cruz. Your support in this hour of difficulty is greatly appreciated not just by me, but the Russian people." Navalny said in his clear and fairly good English to Ted Cruz before slightly changing the topic. "Iran has been emboldened to act by its nuclear weapons program. It is a program shrouded in secrecy that few foreigners even have a concrete clue about. I can most certainly say the project is active albeit on a reduced scale due to the Iran Nuclear Deal. Contrary to popular belief, Iran has not ramped up its project to the best of my knowledge and the Russian military's knowledge. China however has ramped up its nuclear arsenal's capabilities and size and also may be aiding Iran in its quest for nuclear capabilities."
“Well, that would be very concerning especially following the unhinged actions taken by Iran today. Perhaps it’s in both of our nation's interests if we work closely together to prevent an Iranian nuke or even help Tehran…. have a change of heart.” Cruz said as he shifted in his chair.
"I believe our best course of action is helping the people of Iran take matters into their own hands. I think that would be beneficial for the world." Navalny said as cautiously as he could.
“I am inclined to agree. I believe that the Iranian people are just as outraged by the regime in Tehran as anyone is. I would consider it an act of… humanity to assist them in helping their voice be…. heard. Perhaps this is an area where our nations can work hand in hand?” Cruz said as he sipped some water.
"It definitely is. The primary concern of course is China and what Xi Jinping will do." Navalny stated as he tapped his fingers silently on his desk.
“I trust that if both of us bring our…. concerns to him he will not interfere. Even if he doesn’t there is little chance he will wish to snub us both.” Crux said as he made a few notes on a notepad before him.
"If it comes to it, China could be crippled with a cyber attack, as could Iran. Though the best course of option is always covert and made to seem as natural as possible." Was Navalny's reply as he jotted down some notes.
“Of course. The Iranian people would have to be clearly seen as the source of any…. events. We could make joint contact with certain persons inside Iran to help kindle said events.” Cruz replied calmly.
"That is the intended effect. Unfortunately, going from Russia to Iran is practically impossible at the moment, and any contacts have been left behind with the severing of diplomatic relations." Remarked Navalny.
“Perhaps we could work with the Israelis. They’d have better information than either of us.” Cruz remarked.
"That most likely is the case." Navalny sighed. "But, Israel also is at odds with Russia over Syria. I hate Assad as much as the Israelis, but their strikes are less than productive in Syria. Because of that, I am reluctant to cooperate with the Israelis when they are currently going against Russian interests in the Middle East."
“I think for now everyone’s interests are more focused in Iran. Perhaps on this matter, it’s important to set aside other matters and focus on the task at hand.” Cruz said.
"Alright. I can set aside the plans made for Syria for the time being. But I should warn you President Cruz that Afghanistan is the Graveyard of Empires, and Iran will be no different. This must not devolve into what Afghanistan has become. We must strive for a coup like that of Iran in 1953." Navalny stated in a somewhat prophetic tone.
“I agree. Ideally, the only outsiders involved will be our…. assets helping make sure everything runs smoothly. However, I do believe we should have a joint contingency plan should limited intervention become necessary.” Crus replied calmly.
"Perhaps a special forces shock team?" Navalny suggested.
“I agree. We can have our respective military planners work out the exact details but I’m also thinking we should have air support plans drawn up.” Cruz added.
"Yes, it is best to leave the details to the experts." Navalny chuckled. "Mr. President it has been an honor to speak with you."
“As it was to speak with you. I do wish it was under better circumstances. Again allow me to convey my nation's prayers and sympathies.” Cruz replied.
"Once again, I thank you for the sympathy and prayers. That we may speak under better circumstances sooner rather than later." Navalny replied.
“Perhaps in person but that’s for another time. Until then Mr. President.” Cruz said, ending the conversation.
The US State Department has announced that it supports a peaceful easing of tensions between China and Japan as well as Japan and Russia. The Secretary of State applauds India's efforts to act as a moderator and states that the US is ready and willing to assist in any way.
In other news, the US Seventh Fleet has started naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific region as part of an uptick in preparedness ordered by the newly confirmed Secretary of Defense, David M. Rodriguez.